The R in G.R.O.W.: Realize New Possibilities
In this second week of Mental Health Month, I invite you to consider this simple question: What more am I capable of?
There is a world bursting with possibilities each of us has yet to realize. In fact, that is one of the most miraculous parts of these lives we get to live.
Who you are today is not who you were 10 or 20 years ago. Furthermore, the world hasn’t met the incredible, amazing future version of you.
Who will that superstar be?
And what will you achieve?
You probably don’t even know yet all that you are capable of.
So, this week, I want to talk about you, your possibilities, and what might be standing in the way of you realizing them. If you can envision it, you can become it – so I encourage dreaming BIG – with intention!
My Story
I love my work, but even I had to pause and admit, “You know what, this isn’t enjoyable anymore.” That was a hard pill to swallow, yet I had to ask myself the same questions I would ask a client.
- When did work/life stop being fun?
- What is standing in the way of more joy?
- How could you get my groove back?
As it turns out, I was drowning in an ocean of tasks that took too much time. I spent too much of my human capital writing articles, creating social posts, and other time robbers to promote my brand. Unfortunately, overworking did not leave me with enough hours to do the work I love or the things I love to do outside of work.
I had to wonder: would the world stop turning if I pulled back on those tasks? (Obviously, no!) If I simply stopped doing those things, what would happen? It felt scary and foreign to consider scaling back. But then I thought about the gift of time I would give myself and all the better uses I have for it.
Instead of sending one more message on LinkedIn, perhaps I could walk in the park and breathe in the fresh air. If I hit the pause button on the podcast I was listening to, maybe I could meet a friend for lunch (and a little window shopping).
A whole new set of options and opportunities revealed themselves.
Your Turn
If you’re not having as much fun as you used to, and you’re ready to realize some new possibilities for yourself – or to meet the future you a little sooner – then you are due for some self-reflection, too.
I invite you to start by asking yourself these questions:
- What do I truly want, and what is missing right now?
- Are there tasks I can eliminate, priorities I can adjust, or energy I can refocus to free up space for more enjoyment and new opportunities?
- Can I hire someone to take over certain items in my regular workload that weigh me down?
Your answers to these questions should get the creative juices flowing. When you make more room in your life for better things, better things start to come along. And when you free yourself from the weight of monotony or the mundane, creativity flows.
Letting Go
Naturally, we cling to the familiar, the known, and the routines we have grown accustomed to. Yet, these comforts often stifle our potential and hinder us from exploring new possibilities or pursuing our dreams. And complacency can come with a high cost: not achieving your full potential.
Our perspective remains confined because of our habitual ways, roles, and our focus on immediate concerns. However, periodically stepping back to see the bigger picture is imperative. It’s truly awe-inspiring!
Now, my friends, it’s time to shake off the cobwebs. Find the confidence to understand your purpose and passion and actively pursue them. It’s time to discard duties and tasks that no longer serve your journey. And take a moment to reframe obstacles as stepping stones for growth.
Above all, now is the time to believe in yourself and your boundless potential. Believe in the spaces you can occupy, the dreams that can come true, and the magic you can bring to life.
Lisa L. Baker is a professional life coach, career strategist, and keynote speaker. Lisa is the founder of Ascentim – a Maryland-based coaching practice that utilizes a unique G.R.O.W. process to help clients gain clarity, realize new possibilities, overcome obstacles, and win at life. Lisa shows high-performing professionals how to Level Up and Live the Life of Their Dreams.