Hypnotherapist and Coach Simon Pimenta shares ideas about following your passions, dreams and goals, and looks at what’s stopping you taking that first step.
The picture above was taken outside a museum in Majorca. Whilst on holiday there a couple of months ago, I got into playing beach volleyball, which I had never played before. It was interesting learning some new skills and techniques, and it made me think how good it is to try new things, to stretch ourselves, take on new challenges. You hear people say: “I wish I’d learned to play the piano”. “I wish I had kept up a fitness regime when I was young”.
You have probably heard people say the same thing, or even said similar things to your self. I certainly have. I have also heard people say “I’d love to do X (a course, go travelling, etc) but now isn’t the right time.”
However 5 years later, it still isn’t the right time. Its as if they are waiting for a sign from above. I heard someone share this Chinese proverb:
When is the best time to plant a tree? 20 years ago.
When is the next best time to plant a tree? Today.
I also love this quote: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it”. Goethe
You might not get a sign. Maybe you just have to decide. Decide to do something, or decide not to do it. If you decide not to do it, but are still thinking or talking about it a year later, then maybe you need to review your decision.
What is really stopping you from doing something? Is it:
- Fear of Failure?
- The belief that you can’t?
- The belief that it will be too difficult?
- The belief that you will give up?
These are limiting beliefs that need to be addressed if you want to stop sabotaging yourself. If you need a bit of help, find someone else who has a similar goal. If you want to get fit by going to the gym, go with a friend. If you want to lose weight, maybe joining a weight watchers class will work for you. Find a goal buddy to share your goals with once a month, or enlist a coach to help keep you focussed and help you overcome the things that are stopping you from reaching your goals. Developing good habits takes a bit effort, but once they are in place, you don’t have to think about them. Brushing your teeth is an example of this; most people do it twice a day without even thinking about it. Check that your reasons for not doing something are valid, otherwise you may regret not making a start on something you could achieve, and could give you a lot of pleasure.
I love this video that you may have seen, that despite being an advert, makes the point nicely:
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SIMON PIMENTA is a hypnotherapist, coach and trainer working with people to boost resilience and performance, and minimise stress.
After working in a demanding job as the Director of a Housing Trust, he went off sick and remained unable to work for the next 8 years.
He discovered a pioneering approach to resolving health issues and quickly got back his health, and now trains others using these same techniques, to help them become happier, healthier and achieve their goals.