4 Questions to Help You Move Forwards on Just About Anything

Do you want to gain more clarity on what you want and how you might achieve it?  Are you working towards a goal, but can’t seem to work out what’s holding you back? 

Follow this simple, but incredibly powerful, four question framework that you can use as a self-coaching tool when you are feeling stuck, when you are working on your goals, your projects, and your new ventures.  Use it to establish your starting point, to get clear on what might be getting in your way (including practical challenges, as well as self-limiting beliefs), and to work out an action plan to take forwards.

Here it is.  

Question 1:  Where are you today?

Now, I don't mean physically where are you today, but what's going on for you right now?  What's happening in your life?  What's working and, conversely, what's not working?  What are you tolerating?  What needs to change and what needs to stay the same?  What keeps you in the situation that you're in?  What's the payoff?  Does it keep you safe to stay as you are?  For example, does it bring you a sense of financial security?

Brainstorm or make some notes.

Question 2:  Where do you want to be?

Take yourself forwards in time to five years from now and imagine that everything is exactly as you want it to be.  You're walking down the street smiling, with a lightness in your step, and you bump into an old friend who you haven't seen for a long time.  You say to them, "Oh my goodness, you won't believe what has happened in the last few years!"  What do you tell them?  What’s happening?  What have you achieved?  What does this new world look and feel like?  What are people around you saying?  How do you feel?  

Spend some time visualising and feeling the sensations in your body.  If you like, pull together some images and create a vision board based on what you see, hear and feel.  Alternatively make some notes and pay attention to where in your body you feel the positive feelings.

Question 3:  What's standing in your way?

What are the obstacles?  The challenges?  What resistance are you feeling?  What is that voice in your head telling you?  Is it right or wrong?  Do you believe it?  Pay attention to what it's saying, as these messages are likely to be inherited limiting beliefs... What might you have to give up to get what you want?  What are the consequences? 

Brainstorm any self-limiting beliefs that surface, and also note any more practical challenges.

Question 4:  What's next?

Think about the major milestones between where you are today and where you want to be.  It’s normal not to know exactly how you might arrive at your ultimate goal and, if you can see all the steps laid out clearly in front of you, it’s likely that your goal isn’t big enough!

Define your very next step and design an action plan around it – what do you need to do?  When exactly will you do it?  How will you do it?

Still feeling stuck?  If you would like to have some support around where you are now, where you want to be, and help you to move past what's standing in your way then you can use this link to book a complimentary 30-minute Taster Session with me.

Vicki Messenger helps empower aspiring and early-stage female founders to confidently create, launch and grow purpose-driven businesses in harmony with their ideal lifestyles.  You can find out more about how Vicki can support you, along with further articles and heaps of complimentary resources at: www.vickimessenger.com.

You can also find heaps of insight and inspiration by grabbing a FREE copy of her e-book: ‘“What I wish I knew…” - Pearls of Wisdom from 10 Incredible Women in Business’ right here.

And, why not join our growing community for women in business: The Collective. You’ll gain access to daily tips, tools, inspiration, and mindset matters, as well as weekly live trainings and quarterly guest interviews. Find us here.