I've been thinking a lot recently about how a lot of people have goals and desires. Most people are also working really hard all the time. The funny thing is, often times, what we are working on and focusing on has actually very little to do with what we are wanting to accomplish. It’s like a hamsters running very hard on a hamster wheel and going nowhere. If you just want some exercise and a diversion, running on a hamster wheel is no problem. If, however, you are trying to get somewhere then running on a hamster wheel is not going to help you accomplish your goal. The problem is most people are running on a hamster wheel for a long time and then they are frustrated and upset when they are not getting anywhere. What in your life are you doing that isn't working? If it isn't working, do you keep doing in the same way, expecting different results?

If you are struggling with this, I really recommend sitting down and mapping out what your goals are. Then note how you are attempting to reach your goals. What is working and what isn't? It is amazing to me how taking even a little time to assess and strategize can make a big difference in outcome.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the stress and the struggle that we forget to pause and make sure its accounting for something. Getting off that treadmill can feel like the hardest thing in the world when it is moving really quickly but you know what that is exactly when it is the most important to do just that!

I highly recommend taking a little bit of time out of your busy schedule to stop. Set some priorities and then honestly assess if what you are spending most of your time and energy on is helping you move towards those goals. If not, brainstorming and making alternate plans is extremely important. If you are unsure how to get from where you are, learn. Hire a coach, read a book, watch YouTube tutorials, attend a conference on what you are wanting to do. All of these things are taking positive steps in helping you realize what you can do to make progress more easily.

Bottom line is if you are not getting the results you want doing what you are doing, you need to change what you are doing. The good news is, it’s much easier to do than you might think!

Right now we are living in a time of hyper speed change. Since things are moving and shifting more quickly, it is more important than ever that what you are doing is moving you towards what you want. These do not all need to be professional goals. Maybe you want more time to learn ballroom dancing or a martial art. Maybe you want time to spend with your dog or your children. These are all important. But too often, we let life pass us by because we allow our schedule to rule us instead of ruling our schedule. Our schedule becomes our life. Remember, what you do with your day becomes what you do with your life. Spend a few minutes or more today this week doing a quick assessment. You won't regret it. You can make huge changes by setting new intentions and then planning accordingly. You won't regret it.