There's a saying we often say in NLP.
One I've repeated time and time again in seminars, workshops and coaching sessions.
I use this phrase as a reminder that it's not the end of the world if something doesn't go 'according to plan'.
Before I dive straight into the phrase, I'd like to mention one common mistake in the self-development field (or what I prefer to call self-awareness field) and most importantly how to rectify it.
Often we can get so caught up with a desired outcome, setting goal after goal so much so that we miss what's in between and within the process in getting there.
I certainly fell victim to this during my first few years within this industry. Feeling that I needed to achieve more, do more, have more, be more. That put me in a very unhappy place indeed as I was so out of balance with the other side of the coin. Being an ambitious, determined Taurus by nature I still need a reminder time to time though slowly and surely over the last few years I've learnt how to balance things out.
It's great to have goals, a desire to grow, expand and experience new things in our lives. What's not so great is doing so and forgetting to be present along the journey too. Smelling the flowers along the way as they say.
That's where our joy comes from.
Those little moments, experiences and gems that we experience day to day whilst we move towards x, y or z.
That's where our joy comes from.
Those little moments, experiences and gems that we experience day to day whilst we move towards x, y or z.
Not the sole actualisation of x, y or z.
 |
| Menorca 'Reclaim Your Inner Strength' Retreat May 26-28th 2017 |
Click To Tweet: "Joy comes from those moments, experiences and gems that we experience day to day... not the sole actualisation of a goal" Emma Bradford
And if, for whatever reason we strive towards a goal and things turn out differently than expected, how we choose to move in the lead up to the goal plays a HUGE role in how we experience 'failure'.
For example, say there are two friend's... A and B.
- Friend A desperately wants to achieve x, all focus is 100% on achieving x and nothing else will do. Currently feeling a lack, a sadness because they have yet to achieve x.
- Friend B also wants to achieve x and whilst the goal is within focus they're also mindful and present about what they're learning along the way. Feeling more content about themselves and the world as the journey progresses appreciating the experiences they've gained so far.
Now, if neither one successfully achieves x first time round, which friend do you think will bounce back quicker and still feel good regardless? Which one would be more willing to give it another shot and try a new tactic?
Friend B right?
This brings me back to the NLP phrase I mentioned... "There's no failure, only feedback" or as Marie Forleo says... "I may win or I may learn... though I never loose".
If there is something you are working towards in your life take a moment to reflect how you are moving towards that goal.
1) Is this something I desire at all levels, that is congruent with my beliefs and values?
2) Am I enjoying the process, learning and collecting experiences and stories along the way? If not, what can help me shift my focus?
For example... some may find placing a reminder their phone with one of the above quotes/phrases helps. Find what works for you.
1) Is this something I desire at all levels, that is congruent with my beliefs and values?
2) Am I enjoying the process, learning and collecting experiences and stories along the way? If not, what can help me shift my focus?
For example... some may find placing a reminder their phone with one of the above quotes/phrases helps. Find what works for you.
The journey is where we can find little nuggets of joy. It's our relationship with the experience that makes all the difference. As Brene Brown says...
"I leap for the experience through the air... because I cannot predict the landing... (ask yourself)... what's worth doing even though I may fail?"
Have a friend that would find this useful? Forward on this post, offering a helping hand.
And if you'd love to transform how you manage unwanted emotions, negative self-talk and to experience a more accepting and loving relationship with yourself come and join my exclusive retreat in May!
Return home feeling refreshed, knowing you can handle whatever life throws at you. A weekend retreat that lasts a lifetime.
More details can be found HERE - earlybird price ends 15th of March 2017!
