Do you ever feel stuck? As we approach the New Year, perhaps you’re asking yourself how you can move on. I know I do. I think this is a healthy desire. Here are the three steps to moving on:
- Determine where you are. Socrates said an unexamined life is a wasted life. It’s crucial to be self-aware. Brutal honesty with yourself is absolutely necessary. I’m not saying that you need to recognize that you are a broken sinner. What I mean is– if there are serious problems in your life that you can extract yourself from, it is good to know this. Do you have blind spots? Where are you? Who are you? What’s going on? Figure that out.
- Determine where you want to go. What do you want? I remember this being the most difficult question for me to answer. I couldn’t answer it because for my whole life I was taught to put my own needs and desires on the back burner and serve the will of God or others or the church. Now, I’m learning how to ask myself that question and answer it. Like I said recently, my utmost fulfillment is happiness. That’s what I want. So I’m going to figure out why I’m not. Then I’m going to fix it! That’s where I’m headed: happiness. How about you?
- Determine who and what will help you get there. I have a counselor I talk to. When I was in the thick of my deepest struggle, I spoke with her every week. Now we speak when I feel the need. Maybe once a month. I also connect with a few very good online friends who are honest with me as well as encouraging. I also engage with you wonderful people on TLS. I read pertinent books. I have a few business coaches that I can talk with. My amazing wife Lisa. I will use anybody who is willing and anything that is available to help me get to where I want to go. Etcetera, etcetera.
There’s no time to waste. Life is too short to live a lie, to stay stuck, to dampen my dreams, or to spurn support.
I want to move on. You?