Is it Time to Up the Ante?
Do you ever find yourself wondering:
How Do I Make Time for What’s Important To Me?
Do you have a goal, project or task that you keep avoiding or that just mysteriously 'never happens?'
Maybe your taxes are backlogged.
Perhaps you’ve been meaning to declutter your closet for ages.
Do you have a creative dream that you haven’t honored with a shred of committed action?
I feel you!
For YEARS I knew that I wanted to develop a blog and email list but I hadn't done it.
And sure, in the last five years, I have birthed two humans and life has been, well, a bit on the busy side - but you know what? I resonate with (online guru) Marie Forleo’s little mantra:
“If it’s important to you, you’ll make the time. If not, you’ll make excuses.”
So, do you really want to get something done or create and bring something new to life?
Are you prepared to commit to this aspiration as a priority?
Ok, then, here's my encouragement (and I'm walking my talk!):
Up the ante.
Get some skin in the game.
Yup.
Is it Time to Up the Ante?
Choose a structure that will help you MAKE. IT. HAPPEN.
That might mean investing your time, your money - and very likely, both.
For me, that's meant hiring a virtual assistant to help me with my blog and newsletter.
And you know what? It’s working!
I’m putting my money where my mouth is. Her support is getting me over my tech intimidation.
I’m committed. I’m doing it.
You’re reading my blog. It exists. (#MindBlown)
In the past, I spent hours drafting elaborate content calendars. I jotted down a bajillion fantastic blog ideas. I pasted literally hundreds of self-imposed deadlines on sticky notes into my agenda.
Most embarrassingly, for about two years, on my website, I invited people to join my newsletter - but like an elusive oasis, it never came into existence. People signed up and then promptly never heard from me again. I felt out of integrity and totally sheepish, like the coach who ‘cried newsletter.’
And you know how many blogs got written and published with these self-driven attempts and strategies?
Not one.
Now that I’ve hired a VA, no matter how much fear, perfectionism, or procrastination arises in me, and no matter what excuses my clever little brain generates, I write blogs.
I’m paying someone. I have real deadlines: someone else is counting on my follow through. I opened an email platform, started the email list and promised people that they will hear from me.
The newsletter is on. (It’s awesome, btw: sign up for my Nourishment Notes here).
So, what’s it going to look like for you?
Will you book an appointment with a tax accountant?
Make a date with a friend and tackle those tired sweaters, tight jeans and make a list of new clothes you need together, bolstered by coffee, chocolate, and good tunes?
Sign up for a painting class or invest in a writing coach?
Whatever incomplete or not-yet-started endeavour you want to turn into a reality, you can DO this.
Give yourself a nudge. Up the ante.
Imagine how effing good it's going to feel to accomplish this thing!
Choose one step now. Level up.
It’s GO TIME.
P.S. I’d love to hear what you’ll do to up the ante to turn one of your dreams into reality. If you want a coach to support your forward movement, please be in touch. I’d love to connect with you! XO
Nicola Holmes helps people turn their questions, dreams and goals into inspired action. With warmth and wisdom, she’ll guide you to untangle constraints and cultivate courage to create a more aligned and joyful life. She has a BASc in Human Development, an MEd in Adult Learning and spent two decades working in the non-profit sector. Along with coaching for the past 16 years, she’s a mom to two young kids. Having experienced long Covid and a move over the past few years, she brings deep empathy to others who are exploring how they’ve changed and who they’re becoming in turbulent times. Check out Nicola @nicolaholmescoach or join the email party for inspiration and resources to fuel the changes you want.