Interest Is Your Compass

In my conversations with women, I find that many are looking for an immediate answer, a quick solution to the question of what comes next in this new chapter. Most don’t want to wade into the unknown with enthusiasm in order to uncover what’s possible. Often, we’re too practical for that. We lament, thinking of how much time we’ll waste. (I know, I’ve said those words myself.) We’d just like the answer, please. So we can keep going. Yet, it doesn’t work that way. 

Follow what feels interesting, and see what direction it inspires.

For those of you staring straight into change, a transition, the mystery of it all, here’s what I recommend. Dial the noise down a notch and alter your environment. Note what captures your attention. See where your compass points. In the midst of bright sunshine and longer, more luxurious days, this is a perfect time to be open - in your mind and in outdoor spaces. 

As crazy as it sounds, slowing down now to reveal your interests is what allows you to move faster, later. An intentional pause saves time in the long run, avoiding unnecessary restarts. One thing I know: if you don’t pause for a refresh, you speed into chaos.

And if you say, “I have no interests,” then spending time in the quiet is at the top of your list. You’ve kept yourself so busy that you haven’t yet allowed your interests or passions to come alive, to be heard. That’s job one. It will be uncomfortable; however, do it anyway. Walk without your phone, or sit on the floor and take some deep breaths. Practice being in silence until the chatter dissipates and you can hear yourself nudging and inviting what’s next. (If this idea terrifies you, then you might explore why.) 

Instead of following your usual routine and doing what makes sense, follow what feels interesting and see what meets you there. 

If this sounds like where you are, and you’d love more inspiration, I invite you to explore Visions of Possibility.

What if Your Vision Fits Your Life?

Are you holding on to your current life so tight that your dreams are slipping away? I talk to women who work so hard for what they have and think their only option is to choose between their dreams and the life they have today. What if it’s possible to create space, a world where you continue your growth and fulfillment, and savor what’s fun and fabulous in your life?

create a vision that savors the fulfilling, the fun, and the fabulous

There’s no magic wand required; it comes down to three things. Getting clear on what you want, defining next steps, and being devoted to your priorities.

Gaining clarity means first choosing your non-negotiables. What are the joys, the activities, the things that are the most important in your life? These elements remain a priority, and your body of work or business is threaded around them. Family gatherings, date night, dinner with friends, your art, journaling, reading, travel, long walks, etc. What is the life you’re creating?

Once you set your non-negotiables, you weave the work you love around these areas. This is the time to refresh and refine your plan. Write down the steps you want to take this quarter and add them to your calendar. Then, step back and take a look at what you’ve created. Does this schedule excite you, feel inspiring, offer you a chance to stretch and grow? Or are you exhausted looking at it? Be real. Move, extend, or change what doesn’t feel right in this chapter of your life. Your calendar speaks volumes, and as a smart, capable individual, you decide your timeline and path forward.

Lastly, being devoted to your schedule and to the priorities you’ve set makes all other decisions easy. It allows you to avoid temptations and time-wasters disguised as opportunities, activities that move you off track, and derail your plan. Because you take the time to get clear and make thoughtful decisions, you can say “yes” or “no” with confidence, choosing to stick to your plan and the exciting life you’re building.

As the CEO of your life, revisit and refresh your plan. Savor the fun and fulfillment with a vision that fits your next vibrant chapter.