Take action. A guide for great minds that think too much.

Recently I have noticed an increase of extremely talented individuals experiencing the same phenomena: self-burnout.

With time I have noticed how they blame themselves which leads to procrastination and getting stuck in a tormenting cycle of guilt, anxiety and self-depreciation. I have also noticed that what some of them are experiencing is not procrastination in its pure state but it's in fact "perfectionism syndrome" (striving for flawlessness and perfection accompanied by critical self-evaluations and concerns regarding others' evaluations).

The truth is, we are all on board with the above. There are different elements impacting our capacity of taking actions and sadly it leads us to enhance issues and to see things bigger than they actually are. Overthinking can become a vicious sabotaging cycle when it is not balanced with simplicity, acceptance and practicality.

Therefore I thought to lay out how we get things done, here at Way Forward ;)

There are of course other conditions and more techniques that you can easily research online. This blog should give you enough input to reflect and adopt healthier habits to be more productive and feel better about yourself. Always feel free to do your own research and expand your knowledge. While I include coaching strategies, psychology and scientific knowledge, this blog is not an academic essay. This is a Way Forward's method combined with many years of studies and experience but mainly practical life skills that work for me and our life warriors tribe!

The following steps should help to reset, reflect, jot down few good points and motivate you to move forward.

Ok, lets' start. Grab a pen and some paper.

Firstly, a tiny situation analysis. Answer the following questions:

What are you trying to achieve?

Why is this important to you?

Where are you at?

What's the next step forward?

I know it's easier said than done but try not to over think.

If you don't know how to move forward perhaps you are lacking information. If you don't know what to research it's probably because you don't have an exact vision of where you are heading. Take action: start with Research. What do you need? Where do you find it? how are other people doing it? What can you do now?

Now, the planning stage. I am aware that planning is not for everyone. Some people get lost in endless spreadsheets that lead to no clear action. Start with a simple to do list, keep it real and break it down into achievable steps. Don't work hard, work S.M.A.R.T (Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound).

Once you have your research done and you have broken each task into smart objectives, give yourself a time limit to accomplish the task. Now that your plan is ready, let's get it done and let's take action.

And here goes nothing.

We get stuck.

Ok, let's act from a place of self-love and acceptance. Maybe we are tired, we have exhausted that motivation life cycle. For now, let's take a break so we can recharge and be more productive...but before then, please plan the exact time of when you need to get back into your plan of action.

Life is made of other priorities and responsibilities but don't panic, we can get it all done. We have 24 hours in one day, 7 days per week. Get your priority sorted but schedule time to invest on your project and stick to it.

You will need a good dose of constant determination and self-belief for your own goals in life. Don't postpone your tasks by diminishing their value. You want this, you deserve it and you shall fight for it. Set your boundaries.

If at this stage you realise that you are now making up excuses for not continuing with your project, there are some underlying obstacles that need our attention.

Are you stuck because of:

1. Self Limiting belief such "It is what it is, I have no luck, I was born this way"

2. Excuses such as "I don't have time, I don't have money, I am ok this way"

3. Fears such as fear of judgment, fear of confrontation, fear of failure (just to name few)

4. Leaving the comfort zone and feeling uncomfortable with the unknown

5. Irrational beliefs: trying to work on what it cannot physically be achieved

6. Loss of motivation, low self-esteem, impostor syndrome

7. Conditioning such as "I am lazy" or any other fake label rooted in our head

8. Unclear vision, unrefined goals, confused targeting, lack of core values.

Disclaimer: no steps, no coaching and no miracles can help you to change if you have not decided nor wish to do so. You are in control of your life.

We are all fighting our own battles. Maybe you are not ready for this change or maybe your actual situation is part of your learning journey. Choose to take action only if you feel that this action is what you need to improve your life.

First Step: Self Care

Successful individuals wake up early, exercise and they make time for their mental and physical wellbeing. By taking positive action to take care of themselves they enhance their energy level, they get stronger and they reduce negative thoughts including guilt and self-doubts.

Therefore do you:

- Move your body, walk, exercise,

- Eat healthy food

- Sleep well

- Meditate

- Write down your haunting thoughts

- Prioritise your needs

- Notice of how your social circle supports and/or affects your decisions

- Revert from blaming others to taking responsibility for your actions.

- Remember that perfectionism can also cause procrastination

The coach tip: If you are feeling tired, demotivated and frazzled, schedule in your diary some "me time" and reflect on what from the above list needs your attention. Then make a to-do-list and take action.

Second Step: Be practical and follow up with it.

Some of us struggle in moving forward simply because their task has not been planned properly.

For example, if the list includes something like "book a health check" think practically as the task will actually be "call the doctor surgery". In that case you might want to ensure you have their phone number and the surgery opening hours. Secondly, set a reminder and schedule the call. Therefore the task would be "Call the doctor on (add number) at 1pm".

If you don't find out the opening hours you run the risk that they will probably be closed at 1pm and you will need to set a new call for the next day. Sometimes we forget to follow up, we get distracted by other priorities and they get pushed out. Note things down and follow up, review your steps and move forward.

This is why doing your research in advance may help you to be more effective and productive. Practice makes perfection.

The coach tip: Wake up few minutes earlier in the morning to look at your daily tasks and set what you intend to get accomplished in easily achievable pre-defined tasks. Review your tasks on a daily basis to check if anything falls behind.

Third Step: Work on your mindset

We choose to take or not to take action. Here I need to say ignite your pride warriors and make yourself accountable for your own actions. You deserve to accomplish your tasks so that you can step up and live a guilt free life. Live in the energy of accomplishment not regrets. Beware of your inner shadows, those repressed emotions that try to keep you exactly where you are, in your comfort zone, making you believe that you do not need growth and change and you are fine as you are because after all, it's only you. Unfortunately most individuals that experience abuse even in forms of rejection, abandonment and neglect may suffer of low self-worth and low self-esteem moving then to impostor syndrome and somehow to believe that they do not need or deserve happiness. But now, yes, we live in this moment where we are choosing to find better way to deal with life and we accept that we are free from the past and it's up to us to stand up and to take control over our lives. There will be a dedicated workshop on shadow work coming up in October 2023.

Be mindful on how you feel when you let yourself down. Choose instead to experience joy, that feeling of accomplishment having completed your tasks, the boost of confidence that follows it all...how does that feel?

It takes courage to make decisions that can change your life, but again, the only way to defeat fear is to face it. This is why you are a Way Forward Life Warrior and you are still reading this! :)

The coach tip: If you struggle to make yourself accountable for your own choices, remember that you are not alone. It happens to the best of us. Reach out to friends and family, make your intentions clear, write it down on a journal, record some voice notes or find a life coach or a therapist that can guide you and support you. Everyone needs help, especially successful people!

Fourth Step: Make working towards your goal a habit

The 3 R's of Habit: Reminder, Routine, Reward.

When it comes to implementing a new habit in your life remember that you have the power to push yourself up for it or push yourself back again.

Truth is that even if you don't feel like getting the hard work done, this does not mean that you cannot do it. Reset your values and take pride in setting your goals and achieving them. Start, from something and don't focus on the chore. You are working towards a life changing habit and you deserve it. Find that positive reward that motivates you to take action! Negative habits are popular for the sense of feel-good that they provide us. What's your feel-good reward?

Keep setting your reminders until it becomes part of your routine. It takes a few weeks for us to adapt. Don't forget to reward yourself with positive affirmations, a feel-good treat and a healthy boost of self-love. In everything you do, choose balance. If you feel that you are close to a burnout, take few minutes to recharge, you will be more productive.

The coach tip: set your reminders according to what works best for you. If you are a visual person you might want to use sticky notes, if reminders on your phone do not work for you. Find your way and please have fun, be creative and enjoy the journey.

Fifth Step: Remember your WHY.

What motivates you to take action?

According to Maslow, the human mind is motivated by primary needs of survival such as eat, drink and shelter. Then we move up to safety, relationship, love. Furthermore we have achievement, self-accomplishment and self actualisation.

Whether your motivation is internal or external (driven by internal desire or external validation) or whether you are acting for money, passion, survival or despair...make sure that your core values are aligned with the deepest root of your intention. Why do you want to implement this change? How can it change your life? Does it reflect your values and beliefs?

Feel the desire to change and mostly train your brain to live in the emotion of having it achieved. How does it feel? Name each emotion and stick on your reminders. That is why you are investing your precious time into this project. Clarify how you are going to get there, step by step, feel that energy and when you fall, take your time but then stand up again.

Work towards your well deserved happiness.

The coach tips: Make yourself a playlist that resonates with your project or a vision board if you are a creative mind. Get out and talk about your project, network and expand your idea to the Universe For more motivation tips follow us on IG @wayforwardlifecoach

Let's recap:

1. Break down the mountain of impossibility into a smart but practical start up list

2. Shift your mindset from lazy to active. Positive affirmation: "I am dynamic"

3. Set reminders, get friends, family and coaches on board

4. When the game gets tough, go back into the emotion of having accomplished your task and rest when you need it.

5. Be accountable for your own actions. You are in charge of your life and solemnly responsible of choosing what's best for you.

If in doubt, book an orientation session. This is a complimentary chat with a professional Life Coach that can provide a safe space to connect to yourself and your new direction in life Get in touch

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