The answer to this question could lead to greater happiness and well-being in your life. Just as a car needs a regular checkup to perform at its peak, so do we.
The first step is to consider how you’d rate your current state of being. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, what’s your score? Stick with your first thought ~ that’s usually the most accurate.
To improve it, start by looking at the results in your life, especially the ones you’re not happy with. It’s easy to think what’s stopping us are the external circumstances, but more often the problem is within. When I do this exercise to find the block, I discover what’s been motivating me are negative drivers, such as:
- Survival and/or fear
- Need to get even
- Drive to prove myself (because I’m not yet good enough)
Could one of these be lurking within you, causing you to feel stuck? Some time ago I was caught by the negative driver to have someone else make me happy. Let me explain.
I was estranged from a person close to me; he was angry and blaming me for his problems. It wasn’t until I discovered that my motivation was wrong, and that my job was to support and love him, instead of wallowing in my sadness. Gradually I made the shift to the even deeper motivation to contribute to his happiness and well being. My pain turned to unconditional love, and within several months the relationship was better than ever.
As the Buddha said,
Three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
When you uncover your negative driver, ask yourself this next question, What’s really motivating me?
Keep asking until you discover your true motivation, the one that’s always been there in your heart. When you know the answer, then whatever it takes to shift to your real intention is worth the time and effort it takes. As the accomplished explorer Edmund Hillary said,
I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it.
This question is the first one I ask a new client, and then guide him or her to keep going until their strongest personal values surface ~ the most meaningful motivation. Not only do their results improve, but also their connection with their deep well of wisdom is once again strong and powerful.
When your values are in charge, your happiness and well being increase naturally.
Next Steps
- In what areas of my life am I not getting the results I want? Which one is causing me the most pain?
- What negative driver is at work here?
- What’s my real motivation for this result?
- What’s my next step to make the shift?
If you’ve never made a Best Year Yet plan ~ or haven’t done one for awhile ~ you might consider doing so. Not only will you answer the questions above, but you’ll also receive a complete system for tracking the progress on your key lessons as well as your ten top priorities for the next 12 months..
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I’d enjoy hearing from you ~ a question, comment, or sharing your own experience. Scroll down to share your question or make a comment — or write to me directly at jinny@bestyearyet.com.
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Two ways to create your own best year yet plan:
- Get Jinny’s book Your Best Year Yet! to learn and apply proven concepts for achieving what matters most.
- Join the Best Year Yet global community to create and follow-through on your plan and inspire others to do the same. Click here: bestyearyet.com to find out how.