Ten years ago, my “fat” clothes were getting too small and I felt stuck. I ignored what my closet was telling me, until I saw myself on television and could no longer deny that I needed to change. A friend of mine casually mentioned the success she’d enjoyed with a popular weight-loss system, so…I decided to give it a try.
For nearly a year, I documented every piece of food that passed through my lips. In the beginning it was tedious, but after a few weeks I realized that monitoring my food intake was giving me decision-making power. Within three months, I’d lost close to 25 pounds!
Two of the people who inspire me most live by the motto, “What gets measured, gets done!”—meaning tracking our actions creates clarity and momentum. Life is a constant exchange. We have to give up one thing to get another. Measuring forces us to weigh the impact of our decisions. It forces us to consider consequences. Writing our goals and tasks down increases the odds of taking action.
We can all struggle with being “stuck,” and when we do, it’s critical that we step outside our emotions to develop an overall picture of the role we’ve played in creating the inertia. As I’ve coached and trained thousands of people over the years, I have found that we need to constantly measure and audit the following three areas to produce change:
1. Our Time: The way we spend our minutes is the way we spend our lives. We will reap our greatest harvests in the areas we invest the most time. I had to learn—and am still learning—the benefits of wise time management. When my clients feel they lack the time to achieve their goals, I ask them to document their days. Normally, they discover that having time is not the problem, wasting it is! Action: Do a time audit for the week beginning on Sunday. On the following Sunday, decide what you can eliminate that will free you up to focus on your priorities!
2. Our Money: Money isn’t everything, but when we don’t have enough of it—ouch! An ancient script states “Where your money is, your heart will be also.” The way we spend our money, however much or little we have, exposes our values. Reviewing our checkbooks and bank statements can provide insights into our emotional and mental states. Action: Even if you’re unemployed—or underemployed—take control of your life by getting a clear financial picture. Knowing what you need helps to set proper goals. Start by looking at what you spend and questioning what it reveals about your priorities.
3. Our Thoughts & Words: Some times the hope of getting unstuck starts with talking and thinking like we can. Phrases such as, “I will try,” “I can’t” and even, “I’m sorry” can trap us in a state of feeling disempowered. When we think and speak in the affirmative and with direction, we feel more confident and capable. Action: Spend a day auditing your speech and evaluating how your words make you feel. Spend the next day consciously addressing any negative patterns you have noticed.
Choose the audit that will best help you move forward and execute it.
Define Your Wealth! Affirm, “I am taking control of my destiny by mastering the use of my time, money, thoughts and words!”
Named the “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” by eWomenNetwork, Felicia T. Scott is a Certified Empowerment Coach™ who empowers her clients to turn their Worth into Wealth as she partners with them to DISCOVER their WORTH, DO the WORK and DEFINE their WEALTH. Get more insight, download the FREE “8 Choices Winners Must Make” seminar MP3 on her website.