The Power of 10

I don’t know about you, but 2009 took a lot out of my energy reserves! It wasn’t the economy that did it to me—it was personal challenges and tough choices. My mom’s health setbacks were significant and her prolonged hospitalization caused a domino effect in our family of stress and anxiety. I had to make some tough choices about what I could put my energy into and what wasn’t serving me anymore—which of course led to changes in business and personal commitments. 2009 was certainly a year of strengthening the roots that keep me grounded so I could withstand the changing winds and come out standing strong.

Now, I’ve got some ambitious and exciting goals for 2010. I bet you do to! But 2009 proved that life has plans of its own sometimes and we’ve got to learn to go with the flow in pursuit of our dreams. For me, and many of my clients and colleagues, I’ve noticed a challenge heading into the New Year. On one hand, we’ve got plenty of DESIRE to achieve our vision and finally see the fruits of our efforts. On the other hand, our inner DRIVE (motivation, energy) is running on empty.

So, how do we get our motivation back?

A client and colleague of mine (the amazing Melani Ward www.melaniward.com) turned me on to a cool technique called 10-10-10. (Based on a book of the same name by Suzy Welch). It’s a simple but very powerful way to access your inner motivation and willingness to make powerful change.

So think about what you want to accomplish in your life—something meaningful and significant to you. And think about what it will take to get going on it. Now ask yourself these questions:

1. If I do nothing about this in the next 10 minutes, what difference will that make?

The truth is, probably not much. I might just sit here enjoying my cup of coffee, dreaming about the future and let 10 minutes roll by unaware. I can live with that!

2. If I do nothing about this in the next 10 months, what difference will that make?

Hmm…now we’re getting some inner tension. I can’t imagine being 10 months down the line and not having moved forward toward what I really want. My desire is starting to tap into my drive and motivation. It’s kicking me into gear a bit. Ideas for what I could do NOW are popping up. How about for you?

3. If I do nothing about this in the next 10 years, what difference will that make?

Ouch! 10 years. A decade of staying the same. I don’t think so! Yet, I now see that if I don’t get into some action, in the here and now, a decade could go by 10 minutes at a time.

In fact, look back over the last 10 years. How different is your life?

If I look back 10 years, it was just before the whole Y2K, turn of the millennium. I was working a corporate consulting job about 60 hours a week and was pregnant with my first child. As I entered the year 2000 I was struggling with the question of what I was going to do with my career and life. I knew I couldn’t continue the path I was on.

I was entering a new year and a new decade with my life priorities shifting dramatically. I was about to go from being a Corporate Go Getter to being a working mom and that, frankly, scared the cr*p out of me! Would I be a good mom? How could I have a career I enjoyed (make that LOVED) and still be a great mom? It seemed almost unsolvable at the time.

Fast forward 10 years (and it does feel like fast forward!)…I am a mom of 2 beautiful, smart, funny, sweet kids and happily married to my husband. I have a growing, exciting, profitable and fun home based business that I run in about 20 hours a week. I’ve met some absolutely amazing friends on this path that are truly angels in my life. And I’m pretty darn happy—even when the going gets tough.

Yes, we know a lot can be achieved in 10 years. But it starts with 10 minutes and builds from there. It starts by tapping into that inner drive and will to find a way, even if you can’t quite see the path before you.

My wish for you as we wrap up this year, this decade—is that you find the energy, and the joy in taking small steps toward your dream. Instead of pushing for big changes, instant solutions, and unquestionable signs that you’re on the right track—savor the small victories, take the baby steps, and follow the seemingly uncertain path with confidence, joy and curiosity.

Thank you for letting me join you, even in small ways, as you pursue Your Vision, express Your Voice and follow Your Path.

Happy New Year!