"Defining Your Wants and Don't Wants for Personal and Professional Growth"

Setting goals, working hard to achieve those goals and challenging yourself; All things we are constantly reminded of to be "good humans" right? As silly as it seems, the truth is these decisions/thoughts can get muddled with our influences around us (evironment, society, upbringing, workplace, social relationships etc). So they aren't always what WE want or even need to be our healthiest self.

The question is not only "What do I want?", but the often forgotten question of, "What do I NOT want?"

We hear constantly that we should "set goals/targets" and strive to achieve them to the best of our abilities. "Push yourself", "make things happen" and even "sacrifice" are underlying messages when we talk about goal setting. Whatever it is you want, in life and in health, stop talking about it and "go after it!".

Yet as we elude to when we discuss deep health - Humans are more complex than that. LIFE is more complex than that. So it's (rarely) as straight forward as "set the goal, put in the work and all is well".

Consider what you DON'T want

The often overlooked element of goal setting, in anything we aim for, is taking into consideration what we DON'T want. The reality of moving forward is that THESE elements WILL inevitably come into play. Ignoring our "don't wants" WILL create barriers for ourselves and increase the risk of negative self-talk and not hitting our set target.

👉Maybe you "want 6-pack abs" ... But once you realize the sacrifice, dedication and effort to get to that point you think, "I actually DON'T want that".

👉Maybe you want to run a marathon, because you never have and it seems challenging... But once you realize the training, time it will take up from your days etc you realize "I actually DON'T want that"

👉Maybe you feel you "should" eat vegetarian ... but then realize "I actually DON'T want that because I really like meat"

... These aren't "bad" thoughts or realizations. It's VERY REAL and it's VERY YOU! That's a VERY GOOD thing!!! Once you establish your "DON'T wants" you can actually help create a plan/practice that works in your favour to be more consistent AND even enjoyable. It can also help you make a more informed decision in regards to what goal is REALISTIC for YOU based on who YOU are and what YOU want.

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This is a Zen Quickie post that offers up some "food for thought" in a shorter, quicker way than regular Zen Blog posts.

If this has you thinking and you'd like more help discussing goals, WANTS and DON'T WANTS, connect with 'Coach D' to see how coaching can help get YOU on a path that is strictly about ... YOU!