Do you know what you really want? You may have difficulty with this question if you're anything like me because the answer is hidden deep within buried beneath a sea of things you feel you should do or 'shoulds'. Over time, our dreams can become almost invisible if we let it. What is most important is to learn how to separate the should messages from what you truly want.
If we think about it, we rarely ask for what we want. I mean what we really want. If we are being completely honest with ourself, at times we find that we are surrounded by obligations we need to meet, or things we need to do for others. On the flip side if we were already getting what we wanted we would still help others but we wouldn't leave ourself out of the mix.
Just Imagine what that would look like, we'd never doubt ourselves we honored exactly what we want most in every moment. Instead we live a life based on 'shoulds' instead of wants.We'd be so confident and empowered. Once I began understanding just how to get what I wanted I was on top of the world. Join me!
Here are several common things we've been told we need to do.
- I should work more than 40 hours a week to get ahead
- I should exercise more. I
- should lose more weight.
- I should get a degree, or advanced degree and become a doctor, accountant, or lawyer.
- I should stay at this job even though I'm miserable, because the money's good and the economy's bad.
I should, I should, I should. You must not do something simply because someone else chose it for you. Your life is too important to live it based on a should.
Grab a pen and let me show you how to get from our shoulds to our real wants or desires.
1. Begin to ask yourself whether what you are asking for is what you really want or what someone wants for you.
2. Next, it's important to continue practicing asking for what you want, whether small or large wants.
For example, some little things you can ask for at work are, I want to leave early from work today, I want to take a 90 minute lunch, I want someone else to do the administrative tasks. Be sure you are giving something in return so that you're still seen as an employee who has the best interest of the company.
If you aren't clear on what you want, then your mind will be clouded with 'shoulds'.
3. List three situations or people that you want resolve in or to get what you want. Now think for a second from their point of view, and look at the bigger picture.
If someone is demanding something which feels unfair is this because they're naturally this way and they need this task completed simply for their own needs to be fulfilled. Or are they getting pressue from someone or somewhere that makes them push you harder?
4. Jot down the motives you can see and the surrounding circumstances, then use this information the next time you encounter the situation, let the person or group know that you understand where they're coming from and why they've made such an unfair demand on you.
5. Tell them while you appreciate this, things need to change for your wellbeing, and so you are here to offer them a compromise. Ask open ended questions that need more than a one or two word answer.
6. Be sure you have what you want outlined, make sure the request is not too one sided. If they are unwilling to reason with you, ask them to put themself in your shoes. Ask them to help you come up with an answer that both of you are happy with.
Working together breaks down the barriers, and puts you both on the same page, this truly helps you get what you want from now on.
These tools are very powerful and effective.
What else do you want?
If you answered yes to any of these or even came up with your own scenario then this book is for you. |
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