Drawing a Line in the Sand
A metaphor we all use, we usually reach this point when we need to create change in our life—it is a constant evolution of getting out of the day to day and into a vision of what works best for us. We all have our “line in the sand” moments, some of us give thought to it over and over again until we finally decide to just take action. This looks different for everyone, and the topic is obviously personal to you—I would argue that we have these in many areas and aspects of our life. It usually falls within the major areas of health, finances, relationships/family, work/career to name a few. I would propose at this time, the end of a season, in the midst of a Pandemic, many of you (us) are having our line in the sand moments, if this is you, then you will want to read on!
I was walking the beach, I was giving thought to this, my coach pointed out to me a few days earlier that I just needed to draw the line in the Sand (you know, just decide, declare, and commit 100% to my boundary & goal I was setting for myself). So, I actually physically drew a line in the Sand, it was a way for me to visually see what I was working on, to commit to myself and encourage myself to just do it, the key to moving forward is to stop thinking and start doing (yes, I know because I need to remind myself of that often), take action on what I said I would do, create, and no matter what (with even a set back), never give up! Are you still with me, if so, then let’s do this!!!!
Line in the Sand is not bad, it is OPPORTUNITY to draw the line, create a plan, take action, and move forward in a positive direction (something we need to practice in many areas of our lives). Here are some things I am doing, that you can do too, as you draw the line in the Sand and/or work toward a vision, goal, dream, or transformation of some sort, both big and small. Yes, it may be a negative thing in your life, but don’t let that bring you down, it is not negative (even thou it feels that way to you), it is there to help you make some changes, and if you take that step, you are going to move forward in a positive direction, I promise!
Here are some simple steps to get you started:
—Cast a Vision!
There are several ways to do this, but for me, a Vision Board is the most fun, visual, and a compelling exercise to build your vision and see it, manifest it, and create it.
Another tool I use (and have taught) is your One Year Letter (you can even do a 5-year letter), but one year is where I want to target for myself personally. It is written in the present tense, it describes where you live, how you feel, what you are wearing, who you are with. It is so powerful and a great way to put words to your vision.
—Set a Goal!
I am all about setting goals, it is how I got myself into college, how I put myself through college, and how I work booth personally and professionally. I like 30 and 90-day goals, and the goal-setting really depends on the goal itself—what is most important is to write it down, post it, and view it each day.
—Build Your Belief!
Belief is so important to everything we do. We can be our own worst enemies at times, and our unconscious thoughts can wreak havoc on our desire to create change or build something better in our lives. There are a few tools that I use, and it is that time (a new season) for me to sharpen my pencil and create practices that build my belief, my attitude, my alignment with who I am, and how and where I want to be. One important practice, especially to building a positive mindset is GRATITUDE, a daily gratitude practice is a game-changer. Write 5 things down that you are grateful for, it is that simple and it shifts your attitude, simple, no-cost, and hugely impactful. Another practice that is usually more challenging for people to embrace is Affirmations—they are so effective, and while harder to do (create), they are personal to you, build you up, and are the most loving gifts you can give yourself each day. This is word porn on steroids.
—Create Your Action Plan!
Now that you know what you want and where you want to be, you create a plan to get there. This should include both daily/weekly and monthly activities. If it is on your calendar, does it support your goal and vision? It allows you directions and daily actions to move toward what you want. These actions can be great accountability to “check off” when you achieve your task, goal or practice.
As we enter another season, it is time to draw the line in the Sand, and to be clear about what we want more of, and what we want less of, and as I like to say, JUST DO IT!