I often work with people who have an idea about doing something new, but aren't sure if it's right for them.
Over the years of working in personal and professional development I've noticed patterns of common indicators that tell me when someone has touched on something that will help them move into their flow and realise more of their true potential.
Firstly it's worth noting that the person who is best positioned to know exactly where you are meant to be and in which direction you are meant to be moving is you. You have all the wisdom and clarity within your own body and mind that you need. If you're feeling stuck at the moment and thinking "who's she kidding?", I guarantee you its true. Sometimes we are just really good at misinterpreting the signals or even missing them all together.
The role of a good coach, in my view, is to facilitate you to reconnect with that innate wisdom, re-orientate yourself and tap into your great potential. This ultimately enables you to empower yourself with the awareness necessary to trust your inner guiding power.
If you are considering making a significant change or even a smaller decision, then there are a few simple things that may help you determine whether it's a move in the "right" direction for you. Let's use the example of a career change.
1) For love not money.
If you didn't have to worry about money, is this new career something that you would be prepared to do for little or no money? (If the answer is yes, it's a good sign.)
2) Feel the fear.
Do you experience large amounts of resistance when considering making the change? Resistance is usually experienced as some kind of fear and can often be in the form of limiting beliefs like "I'm not good enough; I don't know enough, why would people want to work with me?" It can also present itself as persistent procrastination! Resistance is a key signal, it tells you you've hit on something important to you. (It's worth noting that it doesn't mean it's not right if you have no resistance at all.)
3) Love sick or sick and tired?
When making a choice (and this works for anything, e.g. choosing a new colour for your walls), pay attention first to what your body is telling you about the options. When you consider the new career what happens? Do you notice any increased tension, do you feel repulsed, even slightly? For me personally the "it's not right" feeling comes with a tightening in the muscles of my neck and jaw, a clenching around my throat and a feeling of being pulled back, it's wholly unpleasant. Very different in nature from the "go for it" feeling, which is a bit like butterflies in my stomach and a queasy feeling, which can often be mistaken for a not good feeling, but there are key differences. Your own signals are what are important here, pay attention to what your body is telling you and trust it. You may find it help to compare it against known "good" and "bad" responses like someone you love versus a food that repulses you or a not too happy memory.
4) Caged animal or free as a bird?
Does it raise your energy when you think about it? If you feel feelings of liberation, joy and increased energy, they are key signals. You're unlikely to be heading in a fulfilling direction, if you make a choice that lowers your energy and makes you feel more confined. The truly inspirational Martha Beck, calls this the feeling of "shackles on or shackles off".
5) Shining your best light.
In the fulfilling of this choice will you be making good use of your very best gifts and talents, those things that you find easy and enjoyable, that perhaps other people don't find so easy.
6) Will it contribute?
Does it serve more than just you? Will the fulfillment of this choice enable you to contribute, give back and make a difference in whatever small but meaningful way?
7) The green light guarantee
If you could guarantee that you would be successful at it (whatever success means for you), would you begin it immediately? A resounding yes to this question will tell you that it most likely aligns with your values. If you're still reticent it may not be right for you, or it may be you're misreading the fear signals or need a little more information before diving right in.
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