It All Begins With Your Imagination

"First comes thought; 

then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; 

then transformation of those plans into reality. 

The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination."

~Napoleon Hill

Sometimes people wonder about how to do strategic planning.   It isn't something magical.  It involves following these steps to create the plan for your organization or for your life.   First comes thought--the vision--what you imagine things could be like.  Then you break down that vision into ideas and plans, then begin to take action steps to make those plans comes true.  The beginning, though, is in your imagination.  It is the vision, the passion, the idea that "I really WANT this."  The magic is in the compelling vision, because that is what drives it all.

This week:  Do you have a vision of something you'd like to have happen in your life or career?  Is it compelling?  Do you feel passionately about it?  If not, play with it until you can experience those emotions that tell you it is a must have. If so, create a plan to make it happen.  Then break that plan into smaller steps and take action.  Do at least one small action today.  And at least once a day, reconnect with that vision, that passion, that compelling future that emerged from your imagination.  Stay connected to it because that is what will keep you moving forward toward achieving it.  

Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a psychologist, life coach and expert in helping people identify their vision, mission and life purpose.  She specializes in helping people figure out HOW, to access their resources and to create the steps to easily achieve their goals.  For more information, go to http://www.InnerResourceCenter.com. 

Your Passion Gives a Gift to Others

"As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

 ~Marianne Williamson

When we live passionately and enthusiastically, we attract others to us.  Whether they share our particular passion or not, they can see by our example how energized our life is by something of meaning.  Without saying a word, we give them a glimpse of what they could experience and what their life could be like.   That is a powerful gift. It gives them permission to explore their own passion and begin to live it.  And isn't that what life is about--living fully and meaningfully?

This week:  Think about something about which you feel passionately.  Begin to talk passionately about it with others.  Let your feelings show through.  Let people see the meaning it has to you.  Allow yourself to dream about pursuing this passion even more.  Dream about the possibilities it might have for you.  Share your dreams with others.  Notice the effect your sharing has on others.  Does it bring out their passion?  (Even if they don't agree with you, they may begin to respond more passionately themselves).

Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a psychologist, life coach and creator of several programs to help people create greater meaning in their lives, including her self help audio/workbook program: Discover Your Life's Purpose: 7 Steps to a Life of Meaning & Authenticity.  For more information, go to http://www.innerresourcecenter.com/ .