Something happened last night that really made me happy. I was talking to a very special friend, sharing that there is this really big goal of mine which is not getting the attention it deserves. It’s the goal that I recently realized I’m making excuses about not accomplishing. I told her my life feels complicated. I was feeling mentally and emotionally cluttered. I was frustrated that I may need to give things up so that this big goal can fit in (since my primary excuse is that I’m too busy). The problem is that everything I am currently doing is also important and worthy of my time. I don’t want to give anything up in order to fit this goal in.
After lengthy discussion, a shift happened. I realized that my life is feeling complicated right now because I am not working on my number one goal. The complication is a result of this project not being at the top of my list, not being the number one priority both in theory and practice. It’s not about giving up other things that are also important, I realized, it’s about order! It’s about working on this number one goal first and putting the other things behind it.
We thought of Byron Katie, and switched around one of her questions from The Work, asking ”What would my life be like if I accomplished this? How would I feel if I lived as though this was my number one goal?” And suddenly I felt connected to my joy again. I realized how simple everything will be. I saw that everything will fall into alignment. Everything will have its place! Not working on my number one goal was causing the complications. Why? Because this goal is tied to my purpose, the one I’m always writing about and encouraging you to connect with. This goal is tied to me living authentically.
Certainly part of the process of shedding old beliefs and lame excuses is asking yourself what you would be without them. As part of the vision process, it is equally important to ask and remind oneself what life would be with this goal accomplished, with this new habit, with this new belief. We have to feel what the new goal, habit or belief means to us. When we visualize and feel our sense of accomplishment or glee, we have an end product to work towards. Visualizing a goal in its completion is a powerful tool. It makes a dream feel like reality; in our mind the goal becomes possible and within reach.
This shift gave me wings!
Looking at all of this on the page today, I’m feeling a little sheepish. This seems so simple and obvious. Of course I know that we need to work from our priorities, that’s planning 101, right?! And of course we need to visualize how it feels to accomplish our goal, right? That’s Law of Attraction, 101.
I felt connected and aligned with this goal once before, but something directed me off course. What I was doing wrong is giving everything in my life the same priority status. I was experiencing gridlock. I think a little fear was rearing its head, as well, giving me hang-ups and what ifs, feeding me excuses. I think, also, that I was too far in the forest, only seeing trees. I needed to talk this through with my friend, hear her insights, answer her questions. Let her light bring me back.
This realization was huge for me. Although the facts haven’t changed, my perception has shifted. It turned on my enthusiasm again. It caused something inside me to click back into alignment. I feel connected again, purpose driven, and I’m ready to make things happen. The stress fell away. I know what to do next, without question. No more excuses!
Hi Jodi,
Isn’t it amazing what a shift in perception can do? I had something similar happen to me yesterday too. Marianne Williamson said that is what is meant by turning the other cheek. It isn’t so much that you allow someone to hit your other cheek but rather you look at a situation from a different perspective. That made sense to me when I first heard it and I always remember it.
By the way, yay for you on the shift you had. May more blessings comes your way!
Jodi, as you choose to shift perception, then your life experience and connectiveness transforms beyond measure.
Excellent! Congratulations on your shift! True inspiration needs no motivation or discipline.
Hi Jodi – I’m with Nadia – YAY for YOU! I love it when things begin to click into place, don’t you? (hmmm, doesn’t happen often enough, but by golly when it does, super YAY huh?)
I think it was Maya Angelou who, when asked how/why she became a writer, said “I realized if I didn’t write, I would die.” Sounds drastic but still, I really believe you are on to something now. Do the goal thing first and everything else that you are meant to do, you’ll have time for as well. It is amazing how your life will feel “cleaned out” of things you may have thought were so important to you, and really aren’t once you are doing the #1 thing you want to do.
(I’m checkin in on you while I’m on vacation – teehee – using a computer at a friends office – can’t get rid of me, haha!)
Hi Nadia,
A shift in perception is so refreshing, I am so happy and grateful for it. I can’t wait to follow up with action! I’m glad you are experiencing some shifts of your own! and I appreciate you sharing M. Williamson’s explanation of turning the other cheek. I never understood it that way; that’s a much softer and kinder definition of the term than I ever understood. Enjoy the rest of your week and thank you so much for stopping by today!
Hi Liara,
You write so poetically. I really love it.
I am excited by what you write, thank you so much for the nice comment.
Dear Kaushik,
Thank you so much for your kind and spirited comment! I’m glad you stopped by today, too.
Well hello Suzen!
It’s so nice to find you peeking in on us on your very nice vacation! Love the Maya Angelou story, that’s an inspiration. We must pursue what we must pursue as if our life depended on it—because it does! Enjoy the rest of your days at the lake!
Jodi,
This is exactly the SAME shift that happened to me after I read and took the Passion Test. This is such a phenomenal follow up to Byron Katie because it will actually help you priortize your passions! Ever since I did this in early April, AMAZING things have happened in my life…and they keep happening!
You know the book I’m writing and editing…well…yesterday I got a HUGE win…one of the half dozen published writers I’m connected with is submitting a short story for my book…the marketing piece for my book is pretty much a lock…and now I’m going after my other top 4 writers to submit something…
Clarity. Purpose. Vision.
Go get ‘em girl!
Hi Jodi,
It is so, so good to be here today. And to read this. I’m there. At this crossroads, asking myself this question of “how do I make time for my big goal?”. And simply put – we all have the same number of hours every day. And this big goal keeps getting moved to the back burner. And then I feel stress from not working on it – yet everything else seems equally important.
And then I read this that you’ve written today. As if you wrote this specifially for me. And now I’m asking myself that question of “what would my life be like if I accomplished this goal” – and that feels really good!
Jodi, thank you so much for this today. I’m seeing glimmers of those wings of freedom for me as well…
And I’m so glad you’ve reached this space in your life right now, where you’re connecting with what really matters to you. How awesome!
Jodi, wonderful article! It’s so true! This is the second article in two days I’ve read that talks about Byron Katie. I think I’m going to have to read her books!
I’m so excited to hear this! And with your realization comes my own realization (thank you!)… It is about priorities, and getting them in the right order; it’s not necessarily about cutting anything out. (Taking notes here… don’t mind me!)
I’ve noticed in my own life that the biggest transformations happen with the subtlest shifts in perception. Thank you for being so bold as to question yourself, and come to this incredible place of awareness!
You teach all of us in doing so.
Hi Peggy,
I will have to check out the Passion Test–because I remember how your enthusiasm sky-rocketed after you read it!
That is such great news about the book you are writing and editing. Having the marketing piece down secures your success!! Good luck getting your next four writers, I know it’s just a matter of time before you are celebrating that too! Whoo Hoooo!!
Thanks for your support, too! xo!
Hi Lance,
Isn’t it funny how we build this big goal up in our minds, when maybe just 15 minutes a day would be enough (sometimes) to make it happen? We can do it! I know we can! Thank you for your support and know that I am a number one supporter of your goal as well! Try to choose one thing each day that works toward the goal of writing your book, no matter how small. One thing a day and soon you will build momentum. That’s what I am doing right now. I’m going back to the basics. Simplicity rules the day, right?!
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for the positive comment! I’m glad you agree with the message!
Definitely get to know Byron Katie. She is one of my favorite people on the whole planet. I haven’t finished reading her books yet but I did LOVE the 3-part interview between her and Oprah Winfrey. If you go here you can watch or listen to it. It’s the best!
Hi Megan,
Thank you for your energetic and loving comment, as always! You are so right, the biggest transformations are the result of the subtle shifts in perception–it’s those whispers…we have to be paying attention or we miss them! Have a happy day!
Jodi, as you realize you step back and reflect on how you think and feel, you are empowering the observer within. This also represents achieving a new milestone in awareness. Awakening more fully is a personal and collective process. You grasp all you need at every step.
Hi Liara,
Thank you for this wonderful comment.
I am wondering if your voice is as soft and dreamy as your writing? You are a poet.
Enjoy your weekend!
Totally. I always feel a buildup of restless energy when I’m not able to spend my time and energy on things that are really important to me. Case in point: I’m planning to stay up till the wee hours of the morning tonight because I’m so excited to be getting back to writing and blogging after my short vacation
Now I’m even more inspired!!
great post. ; )
Jen, so good to see your comment here! Thank you for the compliment–and for guiding me through all the muck to this post!
Jodi, this was beautiful!
I especially resonated as you shared how it was after a lengthy discussion, the shift happened for you. I am not sure if you’re familiar with Julia Cameron but she is a wonderful author and I cannot mention anyone favourite of her books–for they are all wonderful!
I finally realized it wasn’t enough to hope for my healing, and believe for the best, I needed to make it happen and commit to nothing less than honoring this truth! 
so i began this site and hold myself to this truth daily 
‘walking it through’.. that one goal only comes to us with every ‘loving’ step we take towards it! 
She often shares how we can be ‘accurate believing mirrors’ for one another. As we know who these friends are then just by talking with them we are able to express and breakthrough from the stagnation we felt. This is truly empowerment; a shift takes place shortly after. I had this happen recently, actually after one of the posts I made on your site!
Blessings to you on your shift that gave you wings!
You write lovely and I enjoy your posts!
Namaste, Jen/Shamila
Hi Jen,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Julia Cameron! I know of her and have heard her interviewed–I thought she was a wonderfully wise, thoughtful woman. I have her book The Artists Way but I haven’t done much past taking weekly artist dates and writing my morning pages. One of these days I will explore more of her writing. Your story about ‘accurate believing mirrors’ sounds interesting. Way to commit to honoring your truth! Good things are in store for you!