When Life Hits An Impasse !

source: www.goodtherapy.org

When our life is brought to a screeching halt and we are thrown in a tizzy, all we wonder is "What now?" . What had so far been a smooth cruise now appears to be a tricky and bumpy ride. Looking further ahead, we see our life engulfed in a cloud of confusion and chaos. This is when the reality hits us that our life has hit an impasse !

The "cul-de-sac" that stares at us in our face and leave us completely blank is in fact a manifestation of our ill-conceived goals and ill-directed actions. Now, when all our goals seem out of sight no clarity of direction, the only way forward is to do course correction.

Hitting a dead-end in life is not the end of the road for us. A little bit of self-probing and self-reflection could help us get our life back on track again. This is the right time to dig deep and identify what's holding us back.

The following could help us explore the root cause:

• Do i feel motivated (at this moment) to pursue the goal ?
• Am i pursuing my existing goals of my own free will ?
• Do i feel overwhelmed/ underwhelmed with my goal(s) ?
• Do i need to rework on my goals - maybe establish a different goal altogether or rework on the existing one ?
• Do i need to establish few mini-goals that will help me be motivated ?
• Are my action items in place ?
• Have i set my priorities right ?
• Have i built the necessary discipline in my daily routine for the tasks that needs to be executed? 
• Have i built a closure (timeline/ deadline) for the tasks identified by me? 
• Have i identified all the available options ?
• Do i have a mechanism in place for feedback ?

Pondering over the above questions could help us pin point where exactly the problem lies - whether in our goals, action items or time. Once the root cause is identified then its not difficult to do the necessary course correction and go beyond the impasse !

DETERMINATION breeds Drive and Discipline#AtoZChallenge

D is for DETERMINATION

Many a times when we reflect on our list of accomplishments in life we realise that we would have accomplished so much more had we looked inwards rather than blaming external factors/ reasons for the same. Self-brooding further will bring to focus those unfinished tasks/ goals that could have been accomplished had we maintained some discipline and kept alive our drive and passion. DETERMAINATION is that trait which not only encompass discipline, drive, passion but many other quality traits like will power. DETERMINATION refers to a resolve to finish the task, achieve the goals and provides the missing link between the goal and its accomplishment.

Why DETERMINATION is important ?

·         It provides the requisite motivation to accomplish goals and succeed in life

·         To be successful requires sustained and focused effort which is made possible through determination

·         It makes things happen as it builds the quality of resolve in us

·         Builds discipline which ensures that we take all the necessary measures needed to succeed

·         Gets rid of various distractions that act as impediments towards well directed/ focused intent and action.

How to build DETERMINATION ?

·         Identification of goals that we are most passionate about will always keep us excited and interested in taking action.

·         Breaking of goals into short, medium and long term to have better control

·         Regular review the goals. If need be, revise the goals or realign action  

·         Be proactive in foreseeing the challenges

·         Practice techniques that build focus and concentration which are the hallmark of a determined person

·         Accentuate commitment to ensure completion of tasks

·         Be judicious about the choices

·         Maintain positive self-esteem

·         Avoid distraction

So during times when you feel like giving up, just remind yourself that Determination could pull you through this time too !