The 12 Days of Illumination: Day 6
Two deceptively simple questions
Welcome to Day 6— the halfway point!—of The 12 Days of Illumination, a special daily dose of inspiration and easy-to-incorporate insights that started December 20 and runs through the end of the year. Be sure to check out the archives to catch up on previous issues, and feel free to share this one with your friends. Or better yet, invite them to join our Illuminate Me tribe!
And hey — Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!
What I’ve found most helpful in transforming my career (and frankly, my life) was honestly answering two deceptively simple questions:
1. What do I want?
Though straightforward, that question isn’t easy for most to answer. Some wrestle with insecurities and fears about acknowledging their true desires; others have never pushed the pause button on their busy lives long enough to give themselves space to do so.
The key to answering this query is thoughtful reflection, and sometimes, a reality check: do you really want (fill in the blank), and are you willing to do what it takes to achieve it?
It’s likely that your answer will be different from a friend’s or co-worker’s, what someone else may want for you, or even what you thought you wanted, and that’s okay. However, clarity demands specificity, so the more focused you can be about what matters most, the better.
2. Does this support or prevent me from achieving what I want?
How you spend your time correlates to your ability to achieve your desires. Become more discerning with yours by regularly asking yourself if what you’re about to do supports your goals. If it doesn’t, learn to say no and replace it with an activity or behavior that does.
Also, consider with whom you’re spending your time. If the people in your life are holding you back, it’s time to find a new inner circle of those who support and encourage you.
Shine on,
Amy
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