How To Achieve Anything
Whatever you want to achieve. Wherever you want to go. Whenever you want it to happen.
It’s rarely a smooth path.
There will be obstacles. Challenges. Opposite opinions. Doubts.
In today’s world, where we slowly tear down our own resilience through constant social media consumption, fragmenting our thoughts and weakening our ability to focus, it’s becoming even harder to stick to something.
But if you want to achieve anything, you have to do exactly that: stick to it.
That is, as long as it’s aligned with you.
Because we want to make sure anything we chase is an intentional choice, aligned with our dreams and our authentic selves.
Because after all, we want to build a life for us, not for anyone else.
The trap of the external why
If you want to stick to it, it’s not enough to just know the destination.
It’s not enough to want it just because.
Because someone else has it.
Because someone recommended it.
Because it would look so good on you.
These are not strong enough reasons.
First of all, they’re not aligned with your true self (who guessed?). It’s not wrong to take inspiration from others, or to imagine yourself in someone else’s story. But that’s just the beginning.
If that’s the only reason you pursue something, it’s an external why.
And that’s not good enough.
Actually, it’s probably better if you don’t follow through - because it might not be aligned with you in the first place.
At least not right now.
But isn’t it sad how much energy, time, emotion, and effort are often wasted before realizing that?
Wouldn’t it be better to know before you start whether what you’re trying to achieve is truly aligned with you and your dreams?
What you need is a strong internal why.
So, how do you identify that internal why?
You can start by asking yourself the following questions. Take your time to answer them thoroughly. Journal them out, go for a walk and reflect, or think about them in the shower (for whatever reason, that’s one of the best places for me to reflect and come up with new inspiration).
Reflective Questions to Find Your Internal Why
What feeling do I hope to get by achieving this? (successful, at peace, free, fulfilled, secure, …)
Is this action how I truly envision getting to that desired feeling?
Does this bring me closer to my dream life?
What values does this goal support?
Would I still pursue it if no one ever knew I achieved it?
Does this path feel expansive or draining?
What am I afraid would happen if I didn’t achieve it?
If I already felt that desired feeling today, would I still want this goal?
These questions might be different from what you expected, but let me explain.
More often than not, we want to reach a certain destination because of the emotion we’ve attached to it.
Getting the position because we want to feel successful.
Moving to that country because we want to feel free.
Now, are these actions actually aligned with how you envision your life?
If not, don’t worry - those answers are still valuable.
Because now you know the feeling you desire.
And you can turn the question around:
How can I create that feeling in a way that aligns with my authentic self?
That’s the way to go.
I hope this one was valuable, that it helps you make the right decisions at the right time, bringing you closer to a life that’s true to you.
If you’re currently standing at such a crucial step, I’d love to hear about it. Share it in the comments or message me directly, I’d truly love to know.
And if you know someone who might need to read this right now, share it with them.
Take care.
Love,
Lexie.
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