Let's dive into the magical realm of goal setting and why it's the secret key to turning your wildest dreams into reality.

And then there's Bob Proctor, the guru of personal development, who champions the power of goal setting like nobody else. According to Bob, setting clear and specific goals isn't just wishful thinking; it's the first step toward unlocking your full potential.

Without a roadmap to guide you, you might find yourself wandering aimlessly, like a ship without a compass. Once you have your goal clearly in mind, then you can start to take action.

As successful entrepreneur Peter Moriarty says, "The compass can point you where you need to go, but it can’t walk the path for you."

Let me illustrate it with a real-life example of my own. We all have many, but I’ll share just one. In my twenties, I discovered a knack for languages and became relatively fluent in Australian Sign Language, Auslan.

Becoming a professional, let alone an interpreter, was something I had never imagined. But given that some deaf people were strongly encouraging me, I set a goal to be the best interpreter I could possibly be. Not just good, but the very best.

I knew that if I wanted to achieve success, I needed to have a clear vision of what that success looked like. So I sought out examples of great interpreting. I visualised myself achieving a level 4 qualification (the highest at the time) and felt the emotions of what it would be like to hold that qualification in my hands.

Then I set to work immersing myself in the language and practicing in lots of different contexts. I even paid one native speaker to meet me for all-you-can-eat pizza once a week and simply chat about anything he was interested in so I got exposure to great signing.

And guess what? It paid off. Of the six Australians who sat for the first-ever examination for professional-level interpreters, I was one of them who passed with flying colors. It was a testament to the power of goal setting and having a clear vision of what you want to achieve and taking action.

So, my fellow dreamers, let me leave you with these action steps:

1. Set audacious goals,
2. Create a vivid vision of your success,
3. Commit to your vision, and
4. Take action.

Whether you're aiming to be a great archer or to be the best in your field, remember that with clarity of vision, unwavering determination, and consistent action, success is not just a possibility; it's an inevitability.

Deb Maes

WRITER

In the bustling tapestry of our daily lives, finding moments of tranquility can feel like a rare luxury. A midst the demands of work, relationships, and personal growth, the concept of mindfulness emerges as a beacon of solace — a practice that not only addresses common challenges but also fosters a richer, more fulfilling existence.

Let me first share why I care so much about developing a practice of mindfulness… In the summer of 1996, I embarked on a journey to Paris, the city of love, with my newlywed husband.

The picturesque landscapes of the French vineyards unfurled before us as we travelled down from the Netherlands. It should have been a time of unbridled joy and enchantment, a honeymoon filled with romance and lasting memories. Little did I know that my own fears and insecurities would cast a shadow over the breathtaking scenery.

Despite the stunning backdrop of castles and the allure of Parisian streets, my mind was elsewhere. In the subtle gestures of love, I sought reassurance—was he still in love with me? Did he truly care? I was constantly on the lookout for those “romantic” signs, like whether he pulled out the chair for me.

My mind was racing, and I was missing the beauty around me. Two weeks in France, and my memories were but fleeting glimpses, like fragments of a dream slipping through my fingers. The grandeur of the Louvre, the romance of the Eiffel Tower – mere snapshots in a hazy recollection.

Fast forward to 2019, and I found myself back in Paris, this time with a dear friend from the UK. Something had changed in the interim years—Paris, once a backdrop to my inner turmoil, became a canvas for creating cherished memories.

But it was not Paris that had changed, a transformative shift that would turn my experiences on their head. I was fully present in the moment, my mind unburdened by the anxieties that once plagued me. In the intervening years, I had discovered the practice of mindfulness—a simple yet profound shift that allowed me to be fully present. The constant chatter in my mind quieted, and I learned to appreciate the beauty of the moment without the noise of doubts and insecurities.

As I strolled through the enchanting streets of Paris with my friend, I was truly there—absorbing the sights, savouring the flavours, and cherishing the companionship. The fears that once held me captive had given way to a newfound freedom—the freedom to experience life with joy and presentness.

This time, my memories are not fleeting; they’re a vibrant tapestry of rich experiences. The Eiffel Tower, the charming cafés, and the cobblestone streets all played a part in a story that I can vividly recall. The stark contrast between my two trips to Paris was not due to a change in scenery but a transformation within myself.

Through the lens of mindfulness, the world transformed, and I discovered a profound sense of peace, joy, and connection—a true honeymoon of the soul.

The workplace, often a crucible of stress and high expectations, is an ideal arena for the application of mindfulness. By integrating mindfulness practices, individuals can enhance their professional lives in the following ways:

• Enhanced Decision-Making: A mindful approach to decision-making allows for a more thoughtful and considered response, minimising impulsive reactions
• Improved Communication: Mindful listening and effective communication go hand in hand. Being fully present in conversations fosters better understanding and collaboration.
• Stress Management: The ability to navigate workplace challenges with composure is a hallmark of mindful professionals, contributing to a healthier work environment
• Leadership Development: Mindful leaders inspire trust and resilience in their teams. By modelling mindfulness, leaders foster a positive organisational culture.

Embarking on the mindfulness journey need not be daunting. Start with small, manageable steps that integrate seamlessly into your daily routine. If you're looking for more personalized guidance or wish to deepen your practice, consider connecting with a professional Sydney mindset coach. Our experts can provide tailored advice and strategies to help you incorporate mindfulness into your life, enhancing your journey towards inner harmony and professional success.

Here are some tips on how to Begin Developing Mindfulness:

• Start Small: Begin with short, manageable sessions. Set aside just a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath.
• Use Everyday Moments: Turn routine activities into mindful opportunities. Whether it’s savouring your morning coffee or paying full attention while washing dishes, infuse these moments with mindfulness.
• Body Scan Meditation: Take a few minutes to scan your body, paying attention to any tension or discomfort. This simple practice promotes body awareness
• Mindful Breathing: Focus on your breath – the rise and fall of your chest or the sensation of air passing through your nostrils. This anchors you in the present moment
• Guided Meditations: Explore guided meditations, readily available online or through apps. These can gently lead you into the practice, offering support and structure
• Incorporate Mindfulness into Daily Activities: Practice mindfulness during routine activities, like eating. Pay attention to the sensations, smells, and sounds around you
• Mindful Walking: Pay attention to each step as you walk. Feel the ground beneath your feet, and let your senses absorb the world around you
• Stay Consistent: Like any skill, mindfulness improves with practice. Consistency is key, so aim to incorporate mindfulness into your routine regularly.

In essence, mindfulness is not merely a practice; it is a transformative journey toward a more conscious and harmonious existence.

By cultivating mindfulness, we equip ourselves with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with grace, resilience, and a profound sense of well-being.

As you embark on this journey, may each mindful breath be a step towards a brighter, more balanced future.

Deb Maes

WRITER

To understand why our resolve tends to falter over time, it's essential to delve into the neuroscience of motivation. Our brains are wired to seek out pleasure and avoid pain, which means that when the initial excitement of a new goal wears off, our brain's reward system may lose interest. Additionally, our brains are hardwired to prioritise immediate rewards over long-term benefits, making it challenging to sustain motivation for goals that require time and effort.

However, neuroscientific research has uncovered valuable insights into how we can maintain motivation over the long term. One key finding is the importance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. When we achieve small milestones or experience progress toward our goals, our brains release dopamine, reinforcing the behavior and motivating us to continue.

If you're finding it challenging to maintain your motivation and would like personalized strategies tailored to your needs, consider exploring our Sydney Mindset Coaching services.

Break it Down: Instead of focusing solely on the end goal, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate each small victory along the way, as each success triggers a dopamine release that fuels ongoing motivation.

Visualise Success: Take a moment to visualize yourself achieving your goals. Picture the sense of accomplishment, pride, and satisfaction you'll feel. Visualization can activate the brain's reward circuitry, making your goals feel more attainable and compelling.

Find Your Why Reconnect: with the underlying reasons behind your resolutions. Reflect on why they are important to you and how achieving them aligns with your values and aspirations. Connecting emotionally to your goals can provide a powerful source of motivation.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself when setbacks occur. Remember that progress is not always linear, and slip-ups are a natural part of the journey. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, focus on what you can learn from them and how you can adjust your approach moving forward.

Create Accountability: Share your goals with a friend, family member, or mentor who can offer support and encouragement. Being held accountable can provide an extra incentive to stay committed to your resolutions.

As we navigate the challenges of maintaining our New Year's resolutions, it's important to remember that motivation is not a finite resource but rather a skill that can be cultivated and nurtured over time.

By understanding the neuroscience behind ongoing motivation and implementing practical strategies, like breaking goals down into smaller tasks, visualising success, finding your why, practicing self-compassion, and creating accountability, you can renew your resolve and stay on track to achieve your aspirations.

So, don't let the mid-year slump derail your progress—reignite your motivation and continue pursuing your goals with renewed vigor and determination.

Deb Maes

WRITER

Have you heard it said, ‘The world is your mirror’, or ‘There’s no perception without projection’, or even ‘Spot it, you’ve got it’? These expressions point to how the source of the outer world we experience is actually our own inner world reflected back to us. The fact is we don’t see the physical world as it actually is; we filter reality to experience certain things and not others.

You don’t see the world as it is,
you see it according to who you are.

We need a method to filter information from the world since our brain processes a whopping 40 million bits per second. The proof of this filtering lies in the fact that we only truly pay attention to a tiny portion of it – a mere 40 bits per second. It's quite a significant gap when you consider that out of the massive 40 million bits, only 40 manage to grab our attention. Can you believe it? Just 40 out of 40 million!

Now the implication of all this is that our reality is created by what we experience and what we experience is governed by what we have told our brain to watch out for. Are you starting to see how the outer world we experience is influenced by what is going on inside ourselves?...

A bit of psychology to consider...

• We project repressed aspects of ourselves onto others. This is called 'Displacement'.
• We do this because there are certain aspects of ourselves that we have not yet come to know or accept. This is called our 'Shadow'.

Because we have not yet come to discover a certain aspect of self, we project it out into the world - onto others - so that we can see ourselves.

Most people think that what is hidden in the shadows are negative things, like anger and impatience and we fear that this makes us not good enough. BUT, there is good news, a lot of what we project is ‘good’ or positive aspects of ourselves that we have not yet accepted.

As Marianne Williams says:

To unlock a deeper understanding of yourself, consider embracing the phenomenon of projection. Whether tending to criticise or praise, the key lies in embracing openness. Approach self-reflection with curiosity and sincerity, seeking to uncover both negative and positive aspects within yourself that you have yet to acknowledge.

Here’s a practical way to leverage this phenomenon of projection:

• Pay attention to what has caught your eye
• Ask the curious question, “How is this true of me?”, then
• “Be the change” (Gandhi).

This notion of be the change does 3 powerful things when applied:

• It stops us from judging others
• It replaces focusing on others (where we have little power to change) with reflection on self
• It stirs us to change the only thing over which we have any control: ourselves.

When you become aware of how YOU would like to be, you can adjust yourself, and then you can start to look for this in the world. AND GUESS, what happens then? You start to see the world mirroring your new changed way back to you.

Deb Maes

WRITER