Do you know your Starting Point?
If you don’t know where you are, a map won’t help.
– Watts Humphrey
Imagine this.
You’re about to embark on a journey to someplace you’ve never been before. You’re using an old-fashioned roadmap, googling directions, or putting the address in your car GPS. And the first question you’re asked: what’s your starting point?
Logically that makes sense. You need to start to travel from somewhere. Knowing where you are, how you plan to trip to your destination, the road conditions and what you need for the ride is key to the success of your journey.
But how many times do you make that same kind of assessment before you move forward to achieve your personal and professional goals? Evaluating what’s working, what’s not, what matters most to you and what you really want to change is your very first step. And at this point compassionate honesty with yourself is the key.
Taking stock of your current situation
When working with my coachees, we take a closer look at the following four areas: health, work, play and love*.
Health: Where am I with regards to my emotional, mental and physical health?
Work: Where am I with regards to my paid work and / or volunteer jobs?
Play: Which activities do I do simply for the fun of it?
Love: Where am I with regards to my partner, children, friends and pets?
How would I rate each area on a scale from 1 -10?
Which area of life would I pick as my primary focus?
What is the ONE goal I can start working towards now?
What small, simple action can I take daily/weekly that will move me closer to my goal?
One last thought
Starting points are always changing. What a relief :) Your starting point today won’t be the same as in 6 months or a year from now. Starting points are neither good or bad. And you are not behind, you’re just starting.
Be brave. Be gentle. But be honest with yourself.
Now over to you
When was the last time you took a closer look at those 4 areas in your life?
And have you gained the clarity you wanted about your Starting Point?
Warmly, Viviane
PS: If you want to find your Starting Point with a compassionate and honest accountability partner by your side, find out how we can work together.