"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there."
~ Kofi Annan

As a child I played the 'Game of Life'. Now I realize that we're constantly playing a giant, life-size round of this game. The question is whether or not we're in the driver's seat or dozing in the passenger seat with someone else at the wheel.

Just like in any good game, you have to plan where you're headed; pack what you'll need and gather the right team. However, you may run into obstacles that will challenge you to evolve and grow. It's not the cards you're dealt, but what you choose to do with what you're given.
 

A winning game plan
The key is a solid strategy. In life, you want to be clear on your overall vision. Who are you at your best? What are your core values? At the end of the day where do you want to end up? This doesn't mean you have to map out every step – just get clear about the big-picture, and set your intentions that you'll achieve all you desire.

To win, you want to pack the right tools. What skills will you need? What information? What discipline will you follow? Who do you need to surround yourself with to succeed?

Change your perspective
With all the planning in the world, there are times when "life" gets in the way and provides forks in the road. How do you handle this?
 

Your success is directly impacted by your attitude. Optimism is a scientifically proven means to build resilience and keep stress levels low. Replace jumping to the victim place of "why is this happening to me" or "everyone's always out to get me," with empowering thoughts: "I'm creative and can make this work." Focus on your successes and what's working in your life. Ask questions that serve you: "What's the lesson I'm to learn?" "If I had to do it over, what could I do differently?" "What opportunities are available now that I may have missed?" "What's the best case scenario?" "What's the worst case scenario?" "What do I have control over?" "What do I need to let go of?" all help to change perspective. "What are my options?" creates possibilities and choice instead of a feeling of loss or doom.

Make a move – take action
For each option, create a plan and a back up plan. Get into action to create your desired outcome. Gather information; prepare mentally or logistically for options; or simply leap into the unknown. Sometimes you just have to do something to find the next piece.

H&L

If you have a burning life question please email
lifecoach@healthandlifestyle.ca