2020 In Focus: You do You!

I once had a coworker so positive amidst swirling politics, gut wrenching layoffs, declining business results, and when asked how he was doing, would always exclaim – “I’m living’ the dream!” I never knew if he was truly doing just that, or was it his witty sense of humor getting him through each day. Regardless, I chose to believe he was living his dream, he loved what he did, and his positivity was infectious. His words have stuck with me throughout the years. It’s these words, embedded in my subconscious, that would resurface at the outset of 2019, and lead me to embark on a journey of embracing my dreams, doing what inspires me and brings me bliss.

Days, weeks, years pass by and it’s not inconceivable to find ourselves numb to our surroundings, going through the motions, doing what we think we are expected to do, falling into a routine or “autopilot” way of working and living that may not be as aligned with our passion or purpose as we wish. Overtime, our routine mindset becomes embedded, hardwires our thinking, becomes the new normal and often difficult to think our way out of.  Neuroscience research gives us the facts behind how this happens, and the good news, it’s not as difficult as we may believe, to “think our way through”positive change. Brain-Based Coaching helps us embrace a growth mindset, unearth insights and translate our ideas to action. We can use this to layer in new neural networks, new behaviors and habits to create and sustain positive change.

Consider giving an open mic to that voice deep in your heart, your true self, to vocalize your dream, passion, purpose. Not so easy to do? That true self may be frequently overshadowed and put ‘back in a box’ by an inner critic, a stronger voice that suggests we might fail, that it’s easier to continue with what’s comfortable and routine, safe and secure. It takes courage to put your dreams out there – personally & professionally – for fear we might expose ourselves and what if we fail? That in itself is a powerful question – what if we fail, what is the worst that could happen? Why not challenge that critic, and explore what if we succeed? What greatness could happen?

2020 represents not only a new year, but a new decade. Allow yourself to dream, to set your intentions, and take small inspired steps toward embracing what lights your world on fire. This is your year, your decade, your time to ‘live your dream.’ Start afresh, by letting “You do You”. Allow your passions and purpose to take center stage, embracing perceived risk with small inspired steps, breaking out of autopilot mode, and changing your thinking. Be inspired to listen to your passion, and take action. You got this!