In this modern era it seems we are all so insanely busy, yet more often than not all that frenetic activity amounts to little in terms of its contribution to our own personal development, joy or happiness.
For those readers caught in the trap of frenzied, yet \’zero sum\’ day-to-day activities, I thought you might appreciate a short, sharp and punchy newsletter this week!
And when it comes to short, sharp messages that pack a real punch, the Dalai Lama takes some beating …
When asked: \”What surprises you most about humanity?\” the Dalai Lama answered:
\”Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die and then dies never really having lived.\”
Is there a more powerful \’raison d\’être\’ for this wonderful industry of life coaching?
I am new to the community but find it so cool (is an old lady allowed to say that) that one can share ones struggles in accepting forum. I look forward to getting to know you all on the blog
You most certainly are … and you are welcome with open arms on our blog, Christine!
Procrastination has slowly but surely stolen a couple of years of my life. I have dreams and goals that I put off for tomorrow. My tomorrow has not yet come and that has caused so much stress and unhappiness in my life. My health has been compromised in the process and my family is going through hell becuase of it. But there I am convincing myself that all I do is for their benefit but they are not enjoying the ‘benefit’ becuase they are worried sick about my state of health and wellbeing. It’s a terrible vicious circle! I have wanted to be a Life Coach for ever but have not moved an inch in trying to relaise that goal! Wake up call!!!! Thanks for the blog. It will be a tough journey getting out of this bad procrastination habit but one I’m willing to take.
Hi Zandi
I’m truly pleased the blog has helped you reassess your priorities. I think you are probably ready to read this article if you haven’t already done so:
http://www.life-coaching-insights.com/the-courage-to-act/
Good luck with taking the action you know you need and want to 🙂
Always my insriration Bill, be blessed in your outreach. Keeping focus on the inner power we all can have …. our SECRET to WEALTH, HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS. so enjoy all your dedicated research and
positive outreach. :o))))))
Thank you Dennis. It is a great pleasure!
Admitting that this applies to me just as much as to anyone else, I can either feel ashamed or look at myself and laugh out loud. I’ll do the latter, because that offers a more appealing start for change.
This behaviour is a phenomenon of this time. The very world is designed around it. Performance, ambition, pension funds, insurances, return on investments, medical aid, property, and so on. The person with the courage to step out of this and into the void, is as daring and as much a pioneer as those who would sail off to unknown lands against the advice of all who were convinced that surely, they would fall off the earth.
Yes, indeed – it’s about creating a paradigm shift.
I’ve typed and stuck this one against my wall.
Wow!!!
Thanks Bill
So very true Bill. Thank you.
What a profound statement – it says it all. Too many people have missed the boat of what life really is all about. If only they took cognizance of statements like this and relooked at their lives to find true purpose, then the joy, peace and contentment of real success will materialise. We have a BIG job to do Coaches.
Absolutely Lorraine – and a job that is of crucial importance in the world today!
Thankyou so much Bill, for sharing that quote from the Dalai Lama,
I am reminding myself to enjoy the present moment i.e. studying for my Life Coaching Certification.
That’s the stuff!
It is profound how little amount of words is needed to portray GREAT TRUTH.
Thanks for the share
Ever so often (these days more often) I receive a large dose of ice cold water right in the face …… an intentional and not so subtle wake up call (seems I sleep too much) from the Universe. This is definately one of them. I have been sleepwalking through my life since I quit my job of 22 years to study life coaching with you. Although initially I was super excited about it (and I still am) I just can’t seem to muster the dedication needed to start my studies. I have been living in a void since January this year thinking “that I will never die” and focussing (if you can call it that) on everythingelse except what makes me truly happy and serves me so well (ie the act of life coaching itself). Instead I overanalyze and over prepare myself right into procrastination which only leads to guilt and frustration… and then I begin all over again.
We really are a funny lot…. wishing we could find our passion in life and when we do – too afraid to look at it for fear we are wrong or unworthy! Wow talk about self-sabotage. Well thats enough of the self-pity from me. I can’t talk much longer I have studies to get to. Many thanks to you Bill for all the wonderful blogs you submit. I really enjoy reading them and the responses on them. Until today I have not really allowed myself to form part of your family – so here I am with adoption papers in hand.
Kind regards
Hi Ursula, thanks for having the courage to share this.
I think you will find that the life coach training programme will help you address any fear you may have of ‘being wrong or unworthy’. After all you cannot help other people who feel similar emotions and fears without first addressing them in yourself. Do yourself a favour and take some small actions to get started on the course, introduce yourself in The Forum and before you know it your confidence and self belief will soar 🙂
I understand exactly what Ursula’s going through. I am exactly the same when it comes to doing what truly makes me happy. I procrastinate my life away. I find it so hard to prioritise. It gets me soooo MAD at myself for not being a go-getter. I missed out on awsome opportunities already…Somewhere, somehow , I have to say: Enough is enough!!! Soon I will be joining the family of life coaching and I can’t wait to get there! Good luck with your progress. Keep it up!!
Dear Ursula, I have just been through three weeks of procrastination about getting down to one of my three goals, painting 20 pictures for an exhibition. I eventually talked to my coach Penny about it and decided a) to give myself real babysteps and b) to say to myself before going to sleep “my work is entirely good enough, and I just love getting up in the morning and going straight to my studio and starting to paint.” These two things completely but completely wiped out my procrastination and whatever fear was lingering there. I also realised that I must not expect myself to perform when I am fatigued and when I have had a day of not eating properly. Before closing, the babysteps were quite ridiculous but I couldnt resist them they were so easy. So first I would just set up the easel, then walk away and have a cup of tea. Then I would check all my brushes and make sure none needed washing. Sometimes I would have half an hour sitting on my bed looking at inspirational paintings and resolving to take this from this one, and that from that. Finally, I would lay out colours and medium on my palette and from then on I went for it. Now, I feel no fear whatsoever and although I still do pictures which dont measure up to my standards, I feel so much happier about it all and of course practice makes perfect!
Hope this helps. Wendy