A significant part of coaching is about helping people identify and set goals that really matter to them, and that theyre motivated to achieve, and then supporting their progress towards these goals. Often though, we can have our sights so firmly set on the goals in the long term future that we overlook what were currently experiencing, and all the situations, opportunities and potential happiness that were actually right in the midst of. When our eyeline is blinkered like this and set so firmly on the distant horizon, we never pause to see and appreciate the view around us. Make no mistake, long term goals are important. They are the constant light in the distance that call us forward, urge us ever closer to being all we can be. Without them were in danger of drifting aimlessly in the dark. Yet there is a balance. Some of the most rewarding moments in life come when we stop and look back for a moment and realise how far weve come since we last took the time to look. Are your dreams already here? So think about your own creative life. How are your dreams already amongst you? What parts of your life right now actually are much better than you realise, or give yourself credit for achieving? Sometimes our dreams dont manifest themselves as literally as we imagine they will. If your dream is to perform at the Royal Albert Hall or Carnegie Hall, then dont write off or discount any experience you have on the way. Your first public appearance, the first time you play to a paying audience, and the first gig outside your home town, are all major steps along your journey. So acknowledge each of them and use the enjoyment of each experience to motivate you even further. Creative Landmarks One way of doing this practically is by mapping out your own Creative Landmarks. Using a large sheet of paper, or a diary, mark each landmark in your creative life as they appear or develop. Be kind to yourself and notice everything you achieve. You might start with what to you might seem small things like writing a poem or making your first wood carving, or that first public appearance we mentioned earlier. Each of these are vital steps on your creative journey, and by noticing and appreciating each of them as they come and acknowledging that YOUVE achieved them youll not only enjoy each landmark more, but youll be giving yourself permission to create more and reach further towards your end goals. Your night at the Oscars Another idea is to routinely give yourself End of the Year awards like the Oscars in Hollywood, or end of the season/month/week etc, whichever period fits you best. Invent your own categories and awards like - Most Challenging Situation I've Overcome, Biggest Creative Achievement or Special Recognition for Development in a New Field. It sounds light-hearted and its meant to be fun. But underneath is a serious message: by creating specific awards like these you actually challenge yourself to think about what you have done in these areas of your creative life that you can be proud of. So remember as you move towards those long term goals to not get so blinkered that you lose touch with all around you thats good. Recognise, absorb and take pleasure in the parts of your dreams that have already become a part of your reality, and notice how your enjoyment of your life increases. Copyright 2006 Dan Goodwin
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