Written by: Amber Howard, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Let’s talk straight for a moment. Most of us have settled in life! I don’t say that like it’s some truth, but as access to really looking at your life perhaps in ways you haven’t in the past. No matter how great your life is, there is likely an area or areas where you have accepted some form of, it’s good enough, or as good as it’s going to get, or I can’t have more without giving up something else I want. There might even be areas where you know you are dissatisfied, and you have become resigned and feel like there is nothing you can do to alter them. Perhaps the way you have settled is by allowing other people’s measures for success and happiness to dictate the choices you have made in your life. Perhaps you followed a career path to please your parents or gave up on childhood dreams because they weren’t practical or you allowed beliefs, yours, or others, about what’s possible to set the limits of your life.
Bottom line: you sold out on yourself and your dreams! Ready to create a juicy and delicious life based on your heart’s true desires?
Here are five actions you can take right now to start creating a life you love:
1. Be ruthlessly honest with yourself
Being ruthlessly honest with yourself is a powerful act of self-awareness and personal growth. It requires a deep level of introspection and a willingness to confront your flaws, shortcomings, and mistakes head-on. It means being brave enough to acknowledge your own weaknesses and areas for improvement without sugarcoating or deceiving yourself.
When you are ruthlessly honest with yourself, you create a foundation of authenticity and self-trust. You stop making excuses or blaming others for your circumstances and take full responsibility for your choices and actions. This level of honesty allows you to identify patterns of behavior that may be holding you back and make the necessary changes to break free from them.
Moreover, being ruthlessly honest with yourself fosters personal development. By recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, you can set realistic goals and work towards self-improvement. It enables you to acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate them, while also acknowledging areas where you need to invest more effort.
While being ruthlessly honest with yourself can be uncomfortable and even painful at times, it ultimately leads to growth and self-empowerment. It allows you to align your actions with your values and make choices that are true to who you are. By facing the truth about yourself, you can develop a deeper understanding of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
2. Be grateful yet dissatisfied
I will never forget the first time I heard my mentor Danielle Amos say those words “Be grateful yet dissatisfied!”. The power of gratitude lies in its ability to transform our perspective and enhance our overall well-being. When we practice gratitude, we shift our focus from what is lacking to what is present in our lives. It allows us to recognize and appreciate the blessings, big and small, that surround us every day. Gratitude cultivates a positive mindset, fosters resilience, and improves our relationships. It helps us find contentment in the present moment and
promotes a sense of abundance. By acknowledging and expressing gratitude, we tap into a limitless source of joy and fulfillment, enriching our lives and those around us. Developing a gratitude practice is a transformative way to cultivate a mindset of appreciation and joy. Start by setting aside a few moments each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. It can be as simple as writing down three things you are thankful for or sharing them with someone you care about. Be specific and genuine in your expressions of gratitude. Incorporate gratitude into your daily routine, whether it's during meditation, journaling, or before bedtime. Over time, this practice strengthens your ability to notice and savor the positive aspects of life, leading to increased happiness, resilience, and a deeper sense of connection with yourself and others. Why remain dissatisfied? Because there are still things you want in life and that’s awesome. Remember you will never get more if you are not grateful for what you already have. So practice gratitude daily while keeping present all that you want in your life.
3. Do A well-being assessment
A well-being assessment holds great value in helping individuals gain insight into their overall state of well-being and identify areas that require attention and improvement. It provides a holistic view of various aspects of life, including physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being. By conducting a well-being assessment, individuals can take proactive steps toward enhancing their quality of life and achieving greater balance and fulfillment.
The approach to conducting a well-being assessment involves several key steps. Firstly, it is important to choose a validated and comprehensive assessment tool or questionnaire that covers various dimensions of well-being. These tools often consist of questions related to physical health, emotional resilience, social support, work-life balance, and personal satisfaction.
Once the assessment tool is selected, individuals can set aside dedicated time and create a conducive environment for self-reflection. It is essential to answer the questions honestly and without judgment. By doing so, individuals can obtain accurate insights into their current well-being status.
After completing the assessment, it is crucial to review the results and identify areas that require attention. This may involve recognizing patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement. It is essential to approach the results with a growth mindset, using them as a starting point for creating a well-being action plan.
The value of a well-being assessment lies in its ability to serve as a catalyst for positive change. By gaining a deeper understanding of one's well-being, individuals can prioritize self-care, make informed decisions, and engage in activities that promote their overall wellness. Regularly revisiting and reassessing well-being can provide a roadmap for personal growth and serve as a benchmark for progress over time.
4. Write out the life you want
Writing out the life you authentically want is a powerful exercise that allows you to clarify your desires, set meaningful goals, and manifest the life you truly desire. It begins with self-reflection and introspection. Take the time to delve deep within yourself and identify what truly matters to you, what brings you joy, and what aligns with your values.
Start by envisioning your ideal life in vivid detail. Write about every aspect, including career, relationships, health, personal growth, and leisure. Be specific and paint a clear picture of how you want your life to look and feel. Don't limit yourself or let external expectations influence your aspirations.
Next, break down your vision into actionable goals. Identify the steps needed to achieve each aspect of your ideal life. These goals should be challenging yet attainable, and they should stretch you beyond your comfort zone.
Writing out the life you authentically want also requires creating a plan of action. Outline the strategies and habits you will adopt to move towards your goals. Include milestones and timelines to keep yourself accountable.
Regularly revisit and revise your written vision as you grow and evolve. Use it as a compass to guide your decisions and actions. Manifestation is a combination of visualization, belief, and consistent effort. Remember, writing out the life you authentically want is just the beginning. It must be followed by taking inspired action and embracing opportunities that align with your vision. With determination, perseverance, and a clear sense of purpose, you can turn your written dreams into your lived reality.
Grab a blank journal, find your favourite place and beverage, and start creating!
5. Create partnerships In the area where you are stuck
Creating partnerships in areas of life where you feel stuck can be a transformative step towards personal growth and overcoming obstacles. These partnerships can provide valuable support, guidance, and resources to help you navigate challenges and move forward. Firstly, it's crucial to identify the specific areas where you feel stuck. Whether it's in your career, relationships, health, or personal development, pinpoint the challenges that you're facing and the areas in which you need assistance. Next, seek out individuals or groups who can offer support and expertise in those areas. This could involve finding a mentor, coach, or therapist or joining a support group or community that aligns with your needs and goals. Look for people who have experience, knowledge, or skills that complement your own. When approaching potential partners, be clear about what you're seeking and what you can offer in return. It's important to establish mutual trust, respect, and open communication.
Discuss your goals, challenges, and expectations to ensure alignment and a shared vision for progress.
Partnerships can take various forms, such as accountability partnerships, mentorship relationships, or collaborative projects. Each type of partnership brings unique benefits and can provide the necessary motivation, guidance, and perspective to break free from stagnation.
Remember that partnerships are a two-way street. Be willing to contribute your own strengths and expertise to the relationship. Actively engage in the process, ask for help when needed, and reciprocate support whenever possible.
Creating partnerships in areas where you feel stuck can bring fresh perspectives, shared experiences, and valuable insights. It can provide the encouragement and guidance needed to overcome obstacles and propel you toward personal and professional growth.
Living a created life is not for the faint of heart, and it’s not always easy. It’s a practice in the art of living that allows you to keep aligning your everyday experience with what you truly desire. By keeping it real, practicing gratitude, ongoingly measuring your personal levels of satisfaction across all areas of well-being, and building powerful partnerships you can continuously create a life beyond your wildest dreams.
Amber Howard, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Amber Howard is an internationally recognized business leader, best-selling author, executive coach, and management consultant. With expertise in leadership, personal resilience, and business transformation, she inspires individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. Amber's strategic guidance, transformative coaching, and multifaceted certifications make her a sought-after expert in various disciplines. As a podcast host and modern-day alchemist, she shares her wisdom and facilitates profound transformations, helping individuals unlock their true potential. Amber's impact extends globally, leaving an indelible mark on the world of business and personal development.
