Written by: Veronica Lillo-Roith, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Last week I had a conversation with a client who was about to make a major decision regarding his career, but he was unsure of which option to choose. When we started our conversation, he was quite discouraged, with a sense of: “Neither option feels right.”
After a couple of questions, I asked him to describe how his dream future would look and feel in a couple of years. It took a few minutes, but then the energy started shifting. He became more and more animated, and started to spark with new ideas.
The truth was, he knew exactly what he wanted to do and how he wanted his future to look and feel. This man was really passionate and creative about his work – which, at the beginning, wasn’t really coming to the surface at all.
However, he was stuck at a perceived intersection that seemed to have only a right or left option, and neither inspired nor energized him. Although he subconsciously knew exactly what he wanted, there was no clear sign at the intersection saying, “This way to your dream future,” which kept him stuck. He just thought, “Well, what I want is not available to me, so achieving it is not possible.”
How often do we limit ourselves because we are looking for a signpost on the path to our desires and dreams?
How often do we feel stuck and keep playing small because of this limitation we feel?
We try to squeeze our wishes, dreams and goals into given job descriptions, opinions of others, rules, behaviors, expectations, ... (fill in the blank with what resonates most with you).
Then we perceive that we don't fit in, and in the long run, we feel overwhelmed, misaligned, disconnected and unfulfilled – because we feel compelled to put aside parts of ourselves, and ignore them. Very often, these are the parts that fill us with joy, enthusiasm, creativity and life.
The key thing is this – there is no pre-existing street sign or even a path to get to the place we are meant to create.
As Franz Kafka said: Paths are made by walking them.
It is our job to create those paths, those dreams.
With this mindset, we can set sail and bring together all of who we are, to be creative and innovative. This enables us to be tuned in to our inner guidance that we know we can rely on, no matter how foggy, bumpy or turbulent it gets.
And as an add-on, this approach will enable us to show those around us that it is possible to create a life and business “on your own terms”… That life is not about trying to conform to the opinions of others, but to dare to be yourself and choose your own path.
Getting there is simple – but not easy. First, it requires awareness and acceptance of our deepest desires. And then some courage to take the first step.
The reward of this journey is inner peace, joy, a deep sense of integrity, and holistic success – by being able to function as a whole.
These are the five steps to get you started on your path to be the most connected, creative, powerful you:
Write a list of 50 things you love to do, that make you super-curious, that you definitely want to experience in your life. Open your horizons, include everything, whether private or professional.
Search for intersections. Which of the points on your list would be a super-exciting, unique combination that captivates you?
What new perspectives and opportunities does this open up? Write these down. Important: Send the censor all thoughts, such as, “It’s not possible because…". Your inner censor wants proof, but there is no proof for new ways. It arises as we walk the paths.
Talk about your project with those around you (boss, partner, ...). This is how allies are created and how further opportunities open up.
Find “a partner in crime” who will accompany you on your journey, and, when things get bumpy, will provide support and offer a neutral perspective, and broaden your horizons.
Veronica Lillo-Roith, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Verónica Lillo-Roith is a sought-after leadership advisor, teacher, and intuitive coach with more than 15 years' experience designing and implementing strategy in the areas of technology, leadership, and transformational coaching. Psychic by birth, she’s a multi-faceted woman who has an innate talent to connect the knowledge in our heads with the wisdom in our souls and beyond. For most of her career, she neglected her intuitive abilities for fear of judgment, leading her to feel miserable in spite of her success. Verónica embarked on a journey to discover and embrace her true, whole self in order to create aligned impact and success. She has since dedicated her life to teaching purpose-driven leaders to enhance their brilliance with expanded awareness, to masterfully lead in a real-time world. Verónica loves creating innovative, deeply customized immersive experiences in which she employs technology, coaching, and expanded awareness for her clients, including corporations, foundations, and individuals. She lives in Germany close to Nuremberg. Her native tongue is Spanish and she speaks and works in three languages (English, German, and Spanish). She is a mother to two wonderful daughters aged 13 and 5.
