So here it is week 1 of Transformation in Motion. I started the week off full of ideas and great excitement as to where and how to begin this whole process, only to realise that I needed to start at the very beginning. After spending time researching and reading about goals and motivation, I returned to the place that I nearly always start with when working with my patients and that is the reason Why. Quite simply Why do you want to transform your life?
The reason this needs to be the starting point is simply that if the Why is not strong and solid enough, then when the going gets a little tough it is difficult to maintain momentum and you might give up. In the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, he speaks of unwavering desire. This unwavering desire is the first step towards developing the mindset towards achieving your transformation.
“Unwavering desire is a regular desire taken a step further. When you harness the power of unwavering desire, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way”.
Each of us will have our own reasons or desires as to why we want to transform our lives. Mine is quite simple, after the passing of my father in February of this year, I realised that I did not want to live with regret for a life not lived. Transformation in Motion took on a whole new meaning, and well, here we are.
The Why does not need to be specific, that comes later, and I promise we will get there. But your Why needs to fill you with passionate desire and nerve shattering excitement. Go broad and come up with a simple statement that you can use as a mantra. Repeat this mantra to yourself daily or as often as you need to.
At one time my Why was “I am so tired of being this version of me” and so began my journey into the world of coaching and positive psychology. Currently the Why for my body transformation is “I want to rock middle age with the best body I can have” ………. more about that later.
The Why, your Why needs some thought so I suggest that you find some time this weekend and write out a list of all of the reasons why you want to embark on a journey of transformation. Then look for recurring themes and consolidate them into a simple statement/ mantra. You may have a couple; I know I do for the various dimensions of my life that I am transforming.
Examples for different dimensions could be your relationships, your finances, your health. We will discuss the dimensions of wellbeing in week three and week four. We will also take a look at Ikigai (生き甲斐, “a reason for being”) which is a Japanese concept referring to having a direction or purpose in life, providing a sense of fulfillment and towards which a person may take actions, giving them satisfaction and a sense of meaning. But for now, keep it simple.
“You and I possess within ourselves at every moment of our lives, under all circumstances, the power to transform the quality of our lives.” – Werner Erhard
Week 2 is all about micro change and non-negotiables in your transformation journey. Until then have fun and remember to practice compassionate kindness towards yourself and others.
