One of the books I have been listening to in recent weeks on an audio book app on my phone has been a book called ‘As a Man Thinketh’ by James Allen. One of the core messages I received in my learning from this work is that ‘our wishes and dreams will only come true when they are in harmony with our thoughts.’
I found this to be an incredibly profound concept and idea. Often we think it is enough to set goals for ourselves. This is especially true as it relates to our careers (and many of us apply goal setting to our life and relationships, as well.) But how often do we take the time to investigate and understand what we believe about our goals? Meaning, how often do we sit down to think about how likely we believe we are able to achieve that goal, or believe that it is possible?
In expounding on this concept, the author of ‘As a Man Thinketh’ continues that “it is not enough to have a positive goal. Our goals must be in harmony with our thoughts, both conscious and unconscious.”
I was so inspired by these ideas that as soon as I came home from my walk (when I was listening to these ideas on my app), I took out a piece of paper and listed all of the goals that I have achieved. I then looked at each goal and asked myself, ‘what did I believe about this goal?’ This exercise showed me that for the goals that I achieved, my thoughts were that I believed in myself and I believed that they were possible.
I then went further and made a list of all the goals I had not yet achieved. I asked myself the same question for each of these goals: ‘what am I believing about myself or about this goal?’ The answers were very telling. I noticed that for the goals that I have not yet achieved, I am either not fully committed to those goals in the way that I would like to be, and as is necessary in achieving those goals, and that there is a part of me that does not fully believe that I will reach them. This part of the exercise helped me recognize what inner work is required of me in order for me to achieve the goals I have set out for myself. Perhaps, for some of these goals I have not yet achieved, what I am required to change is the goal itself, and make that goal more in line with what I know to be realistic and possible. For other goals, what I know I am required to change and upgrade is belief in myself and believing that I am deserving of that goal and that it is possible.
How about you?
What are some goals you have set and achieved in your life?
What were your beliefs about yourself, as it relates to those goals, and about the goals themselves?
What about the goals you have not yet achieved and really want to achieve in your life?
What are you believing about yourself and about those goals?
If you would like to share you answers with me to these questions above, you can comment below, or send me an email privately to Jenny@unleashingu.com.
Wishing you whatever resources you require – both internal and external – to help you reach the goals you set for yourself now and as you continue moving forward in your life and career.
In support and admiration,
~ Jenny
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