4th Quarter: Time to Reflect, Recognize & Respond

There are currently countless people in Puerto Rico, Florida, and Houston, who have recently had their lives turned upside down.

There’s nothing like a disaster (natural or self-imposed) that will bring what’s important to our attention.

I’m reminded of a client of mine who started working with me a few years ago because she found herself in the hospital for a whole month because she was so burnt out that she became ill.

Yes, that’s right — she was so stressed and overwhelmed from having too much on her plate that her body simply, not wouldn’t, but couldn’t continue.

This is what happens when we ignore our body’s signals (“I’m exhausted”, “I need rest”, “I’m in pain”, etc.), there will eventually be a breaking point.

Like a car without proper and sufficient care like a regular tune-up and oil change, our bodies need sufficient care too.

The purpose of my weekly blog is to help you take a moment every week to refocus on YOU and your needs so that you don’t end up in the hospital like my client; instead you’re able to enjoy your life in a body you love living in — you have your priorities straight and you’re accomplishing things that are important you.

By the way, on our very first coaching call, my client told me that that one (expensive) month in the hospital was glorious because she was forced to stop working.

Again, if we don’t stop, our bodies will stop for us. Make a vow to yourself that it never comes down to that for you.

In fact, this client still works with me. I help her keep her commitments to herself.

And guess what? She’ll be running in the NYC Marathon this November!

It’s incredible what you can accomplish when you make the decision to put your wants, needs, and goals right up there with everyone else’s.

So today, as we enter the last quarter of 2017, I ask you to pause and do some work, not for anyone else, but for you, for your health, for your sanity, for your well-being, and for your future, because you are worth it.

Let’s get started.

Every three months, I ask my clients to fill out a “90-Day Reflection & Planning” sheet which consists of these three questions that they work on and we discuss on our next coaching call (I complete these questions myself every three months too):

1. Big or small, what are you proud of yourself for over the past 90 days (3 months)? What worked well, what were some of your celebrations, accomplishments, and victories?
2. What are your current obstacles and challenges?
3. What will you accomplish in the next 90 days (by the end of 2017)?

I threw in a Bonus End of the Year Challenge question as well:

What’s the ONE THING that needs to happen by the end of the year for you to feel like 2017 was a successful year (whatever that means to you)?

As we enter the final quarter of the year, I encourage you answer the questions above. To help get the wheels turning, here are some examples:

1.  Big or small, what am I proud of myself for over the past three months?

• Maybe you started an exercise routine and you’re still diligent about it.
• Maybe you committed to incorporating more vegetables into your diet and have stuck to it.
• Maybe you promised to dedicate a small amount of time each day to be in solitude, away from distractions, to focus on you.
• Maybe something else? What are they for YOU?

2.  What are my current obstacles and challenges?

• Maybe you wanted to start an exercise routine, but never really got in the habit.
• Maybe you wanted to start eating healthier this year, but you haven’t figured out a time each week to go grocery shopping.
• Maybe you wanted to take some time every day to enjoy the sunshine or close (and lock) the door to your bedroom so you can read a book or just be alone, but you always found something that was “more important” at the time instead.
• Maybe something else? What are they for YOU?

3.   What will I accomplish before the end of 2017?

• Maybe you commit to exercising before work or taking a power walk after dinner to get your exercise as well as your alone time in.
• Maybe you commit to making Sunday the day you go grocery shopping for healthy foods to eat during the week.
• Maybe you commit to waking up 15 minutes earlier every morning to give thanks, journal, or read while you have your morning cup of joe.
• Maybe something else? What do you want to accomplish by the end of the year? More importantly, WHO do you want to be by the end of the year?

And don’t forget to consider my Bonus End of the Year Challenge:

What’s the ONE THING that needs to happen by the end of the year for me to feel like 2017 was a successful year (whatever that means to me)?

As we enter the final 90 days of 2017, I encourage you to set aside some time to:

• Reflect on how far you’ve come and all that you’ve accomplished,
• Recognize the current struggles that are keeping you from where you want to be, and
• Respond by committing to adjusting and making new changes that will bring fulfillment, abundance, health, and wellness to your life.

It’s Your Turn to Take Care of You,

Book a time to talk with me during my Office Hours here.