It's time to think FRESH!

Guest Post by Laurie Knight

Ladies, It’s time to think FRESH!

For many of us, this term has a positive connotation, despite the fact that it can also remind us of some choices we’ve made that led us to believe we even needed a fresh start. We may question whether we need a fresh start when things start to get stagnant, or when desired results aren’t being achieved in the way that we had hoped. We can embrace the image of wiping the slate clean and use it to inspire us to re-look at what we’re doing and make a new and improved plan to move forward.

If we have to try again, does that mean what we had been doing was a failure? NO! If we end up starting again, does that mean what we did before or up until that point was meaningless? Absolutely not. But it does mean that if we’re craving a fresh start, we should tune into what our gut is calling us to do and think carefully about our next steps in order to avoid repeating old habits and behaviors that contributed to our current status . Consider what starting FRESH can mean for you.

F: Fun. This is your opportunity to think about how to make your challenge or task fun and exciting.  Breathe new life into your project and engage in it in a way you have not done before. Take a new perspective or put a new spin on it. Include others in your vision.

Consider making it a game or a challenge with a significant reward at the end when you achieve the desired result. Pull out the big guns and determine what will make you want to get up in the morning, excited to do whatever it takes!

R: Reflect: Take a moment to consider where things went south during your last attempt. Write down where you were mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Were you ready to take on what you said you would, or were you not prepared in some way that you could better prepare for now? List your strengths and the areas in which you might need more support.

Take time to reflect on the situation and explore why you want this to happen in your life. What results is this going to give you when the project or task is complete? Is this really worth it to you? Is this what you want or are you doing it for someone else? Is now the best time to pursue this goal?

E: Examine:  Examine your reflections and determine what resources you need to use or find in order to help your project be successful this time around. Does the plan or goal need to be adjusted? Have you been going at it alone and aren’t able to hold yourself accountable?

Do you need to partner with someone who’s “been there, done that,” who can lessen your learning curve? Do you need to buy supplies or do something else to prepare that will make your project more feasible? What do you need to make it happen this time around?

S: Stretch: It’s almost always necessary to do what you haven’t done in order to get what you’ve never had. Most of us know this, but we’ve been conditioned to think that with enough desire, we can achieve whatever we set our mind to. Desire is only part of the equation. Most of the results lie in the “doing,” and if you’re doing what you’ve always done, you’ll have what you’ve always had.

Think about three things that would be a stretch for you outside your comfort zone. What’s something that you know without a doubt if you did it, you’d be closer to where you want to be?

Do at least one stretch per day for your mind, body, and soul. All three areas need to be stretched and engaged with every task or goal. None of these entities are strong enough on their own to achieve extraordinary results. When all three are aligned, powerful things can happen.

H: Honor: Honor your yourself, your commitment, and where you’re at in the process. We’re notorious for beating ourselves up when we’re not moving fast enough or successful the first time around. This is where many peoples’ dreams die. Don’t let this happen to you.

Decide today to start again, knowing you’ve done the necessary prep work and granted yourself the forgiveness to move forward with a FRESH perspective. It’s never too late to start again.

As a solution-focused clinician in mental health for over a decade, Laurie’s passion to remain in the helping profession inspired her to create her coaching company, supporting people to act in the direction of their dreams by getting organized, prioritizing action plans, and using unique gifts and talents to create passionate legacies.

Laurie is also a professional singer songwriter who has shared her music nationwide after the release of her Debut Album Call it a feeling recorded in Nashville in 2007. Laurie continues to share her motivational music and message of DIVA living to women and girls groups. To receive Laurie’s free song To be Happy and companion DIVA living workbook, visit www.LifeCoachLaurie.com.