Spring is green, new, alive. The childhood stage of the seasons. As nature wakes from its winter slumber and you observe the first pale green leaves unfolding, you might feel a renewed energy to tackle your to-do list, or start a new project. As a Washington, DC life coach, I know that during this time I’m going to get lots of new questions from my clients about what they should be doing, or how to manage their to-do list.
Focus on Fulfillment
We try to be the best we can be by scheduling ourselves, writing to do lists, and taking classes. What we really need is time management to do what we love … that is also fulfilling. Discover what fulfills you by getting in touch with who you really are:
- When was the last time you received a compliment that really made you feel good? What were you complimented for?
- In what types of activities or pursuits do you really shine?
- What feels like drudgery?
Most adults already know what they do well, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. We often do certain things out of obligation, because they’re trendy, because our friends are doing them, or because we have a degree or specific training in something. Ignore all that noise, and instead listen for the voice nudging you in a certain direction, rather than focusing on what you think you “should” be doing.
Awareness + Action
Elite athletes and those seemingly “natural” leaders we have all observed throughout our lives are good examples of people taking joyful, systematic steps to reach their goals. These people know their strengths and are unapologetic about them. They have keen self-awareness of their goals and strengths (“knowing”), and back this up with organization and action (“doing”). They methodically manage their time and energy. At the end of the day, they are able to perform at a level that surpasses most people’s imagination by knowing themselves. (Read more about how to approach your life like a professional athlete here. Read about how great leaders are able to rise above negativity and other people’s opinions here.)
Life Coaching Steps to Make the Most of Springtime’s Energy
Step 1: Think about your “curiosities” or “interests”. You can’t have too many! Consider and play with the many things that interest you, without agenda. Recognize and label what works and build on that. (Read my life coaching tips on how to discover your childlike curiosities here.)
Step 2: Set some “homework” for yourself and pursue it without agenda. Here are some suggestions:
– Want to learn to grow your own food or flowers? Matthew Keller, postdoctoral fellow at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics in Richmond, studied 500 people in the U.S. and Canada and found that the more time people spent outside on a sunny spring day the better their mood. Your local nursery or home improvement stores may offer introductory and advanced gardening courses. YouTube is a treasure trove of information on organic gardening, how to deal with specific pests or what variety of tomatoes does best in Washington, DC.
– Want to read more, but are stuck in a rut? Visit your local library and talk to one of the librarians there about your interests, create Goodreads.com account and connect with some people who share your interests or better yet start a book club. There is no better motivator to get away from your daily grind and into reading than a fun monthly meeting with interesting people you can laugh with.
– Have a topic you want to learn more about? Discover some new podcasts. Starting your day with gratitude journaling (I wrote a how-to here), setting positive intentions and listening to a podcast on iTunes or elsewhere is one of the most uplifting ways to infuse your day with new ideas, excitement and possibility.
Step 3: Remember to capitalize on the action of springtime. Like a kid enjoying the warm weather, tell yourself it’s okay to create, express and act on a feeling of exuberance and fulfillment. Practice mindfulness and gratitude for who you are, and what is good in this moment, right now. Let the new beginnings you are witnessing all around you move you to act in authentic ways that fulfill you.
If you get stuck, enlist an ally to help you in this work. My clients overwhelmingly tell me that they’ve discovered fulfillment through life coaching, and a whole new approach to their lives. (Read my many happy client testimonials here.)
Contact me today for a complimentary, no-obligations life coaching consultation and we can work on lighting up your life, giving it more purpose and meaning. Or use the Appointment Scheduler and pick a time that works for you. I coach 90% of my clients over the phone, and my DC-based Life Coaching clients have the option of meeting with me in person. I look forward to hearing from you.