Here are some simple,
mindful ways to get support for your goals:
Begin with your relationship with yourself. Carve out quiet time to reflect on what you want in life. What’s most important to you? What would bring you joy and contentment? What do you want more of in your life? You could even create a collage to help you connect with that vision. Ask yourself what you need to do to make your vision real. Identify what you can do on your own and where you could use someone else’s assistance.
Be clear about who would be the perfect person to help you with the things you can’t do on your own. If you already know whom to ask, great, go ahead and ask her. If not, ask yourself what are the types of qualities and experi-
th yourself. Carve out quiet time n life. What’s most important to y and contentment? What do e? You could even create a ith that vision. Ask yourself what make your vision real.”
ence does this person might pos- sess? What is her working style? What are her values and how do they align with yours? Get out your journal and write about this perfect person as if you’ve already been working with her for a while. Describe what you enjoy most about your relationship.
Once you’ve identified what you need help with and who to ask, make a clear, direct request. The more specific you are, the more likely you’ll get the support you need. For example you might send a message out to your col- leagues and ask, “Will you review my draft proposal and give me feedback on its scope and tone by June 1?” People will know exactly how to help you.
Know what you bring to the table. What can you offer in return? How can you be of ser- vice to the other person? What resources, skills, experience, or connections can you share? Remember that relationships are give and take. Be generous but don’t feel like you need to over accommodate.
Keep lines of communication open and make sure you give spe- cific feedback to the person help- ing you. Pay attention to what’s really working in the relationship. For example, let your accountant know how much you appreciate his expert help with your taxes. Let him know what you love about working with him.
Be willing to have a tough conversation. If your relationship hits a bump in the road, make sure you address the issue early on. Letting tension build will only make things more uncomfortable, especially if you have more work to do together. If things can’t be resolved after talking it through, don’t be afraid to move on. It may feel like an awkward “break up,” but be willing to start looking
aspiremag.net
again if it’s not working out. Don’t settle. You’ll be much happier when you find the right person to help you.
Check in with yourself regu- larly. Take three deep breaths and then ask yourself, “How am I right now? What do I need?” Your goals and needs may shift over time, so make adjustments accordingly.
By practicing these simple steps of mindfulness, you’ll not only become clearer about where you are now and where you want to go, you’ll also foster healthy rela- tionships along the way. Your solid support structure will keep you moving toward your goals with ease as you deepen connections with yourself and others.
Jennifer Lee, founder of Artizen Coaching, spent a decade climbing the corporate ladder before pursuing her own creative dreams. Through her popular workshops, coaching practice, and writing, she empowers others to follow their passions She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her website is
www.artizencoaching.com.
Based on the book The Right-Brain Business Plan. Copyright © 2011 by Jennifer Lee. Reprinted with permis- sion of New World Library, Novato, CA.
www.newworldlibrary.com or 800/972-6657 ext. 52.
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