‘This is going to be my year’, ‘same old same old’ or ‘I’m starting a new direction with new energy and a new commitment’. How we consistently talk to ourselves about and during the new year will often predict our future experience. So how do we ensure that we have the kind of year we want? Well, unfortunately life is not so easily formulated or predictable. Much like a sailing boat is subject to the conditions of the weather and the ocean so must we as individuals be prepared to change and adapt to our prevailing environment even though we may sail with a destination in mind.
Before looking forward it’s often worthwhile to celebrate what has been achieved. This is an important step, as by reflecting on previous achievements we affirm confidence in our skills and focus our attention on what works for us, so that we can replicate it in the future. It’s also worth celebrating achievements so that we enjoy the journey and are not just moving on to the next goal. Afterwards I like to imagine a new desired possibility, as to move forward we need the capacity to imagine something more than our current situation. Selecting goals that stretch us but do not break us is next. Setting yourself up for failure by selecting impossible goals is pointless. Build your confidence instead by chunking and breaking your goals down into small steps. Be comfortable knowing that you may not be able to see around the corner at every moment, so some steps may remain unknown until you approach them. Build an awesome team around you who can support you and the goal you are pursuing. Then remember to celebrate again with the people who have shared the experience with you. I encourage you to explore many of life’s sweet possibilities.
Fortunately for people with HIV, Life Coaching is available at the WA AIDS Council. Life Coaching can be a professional alliance where an individual’s values are identified and explored. These values are often the primary motivational forces in one’s life. Another component is to explore your personal vision for your life. What could you imagine for your life when you are at your best? This then takes us to the realm of inspired action. The WA AIDS council believes in empowerment and the potential of people. As a person who has worked with people living with HIV for many years, engaging with life coaching as been a very rewarding and fruitful experience. Having a professional on your side as you sail to your destinations in 09 can make the journey that much more enjoyable. May you have a most prosperous 09.
