Do you have a big dream? Want to change something in your life? Or simply make a small tweak so you have even more ease and grace?

One of the tips in the e-book, 5½ Simple Strategies to Uplift your Spirit, is the idea of making a list of the reasons why.

Why do you want to do this thing?

The dichotomy of change

Personal development gurus are fond of saying we want things in our lives to change for the better and yet, we want them to stay the same.

And they are right! There’s what I call ‘the dichotomy of change’.  A  ‘YES-BUT’ frame of mind that keeps you stuck.

For instance:

• • I have worked hard all my life. I resent having to put in all that effort to build a business.
  • I want to change career, but all that studying and starting from scratch, no thanks!
  • I am ready for a new relationship, but don’t fancy the dating scene!
  • I’d love a second child; preferably without the nine-months pregnancy bit!

Some of the big personal changes in my own life include a career change, getting divorced, and moving to England. When you’re nose-to-the-grindstone going through that change, it is easy to forget why you started out in the first place. 

I certainly did, and I have heard the same from friends and clients alike when they’re struggling to get to grips with a change they wanted.

Make it compelling

So it is great to be clear from the outset what your motivation is, why you want this change, and what your dream will give you:

• • What is the specific outcome you are looking for?
  • What are all the benefits this change will give you?
  • What is the need, desire, pain or problem it will address?
  • What obstacles might get in the way and how will you get over them?
  • What will you do when the going gets tough?
  • Who can and will support you?
  • What is your ultimate reason; your intention for this change, this goal, this dream?

The more you can link it back to what is REALLY important to you, the more compelling it will be and easier to stick to when the going gets tough.

Before I came to England, my friend and mentor said, ‘Make a list of at least 15 reasons why you want to go.’

I can tell you, that list served me well!

Make it happen

Give that dream, that change you desire, a strong foundation. It will help you keep the faith when the whisperings of doubt, negativity and fear come creeping in like a thief in the night.

Make your BIG WHY list.  Not only will it inspire you, motivate you and keep you focused, it will energise you to keep going until you make it!

Over to you

You have had some big dreams and made them come true, right? What was your secret? What helped you to stay the course and make it happen? If you did not, what do you think would have helped?

And if you think it is too late, perhaps it is time to turn that thinking upside down.

Nelson Mandela married his third wife when he was eighty years old and they still had fifteen years together!