What's wrong with me?
by Vicky White

I go to a yoga class at 8pm on Wednesdays despite the fact that I'm a morning person and don't feel like doing too much in the evenings.  I started more than a year ago, pay each semester and the only class I've missed is when the starter motor in my car chose that moment to give up.

And, about a year ago I joined my local gym five minutes drive away, and each month my gym membership appears on my credit card. Despite all my good intentions I almost never get there 3 times a week. Sometimes I don't even get there once.

I know exercise is important - especially as I get older and start noticing creaking joints. Seems like every day I read more research about how exercise reduces your chances of getting some disease or other. And I do feel better when I'm exercising regularly.  I even enjoy the gym when I'm there.  It sets my day off to a good start and I feel energized and proud of myself too.

But the reality is that despite all my good intentions, despite paying for a gym membership, I don't get there as often as I'd like.  It's too hot, too cold, too dark, too wet, the classes there don't fit my schedule and I'll get serious next week: these are the things I tell myself. 

So, what's the difference between my yoga class and the gym?

My yoga class is at a specific time. If I don't show up at 8pm on Wednesdays, I miss out. The teacher is great, the best I've ever had - each week she has us doing something different or a variation on things we've done before - so I can't get bored. I love it. She keeps track of who's there and she noticed when I missed that class.  I have a connection with her, we share a hug at the end, and she's passionate about yoga and loves sharing it with us. I committed myself to the class - and to her.

The gym? I could go anytime - and I do want to. But no-one notices if I don't show up or holds me accountable. In fact it seems gyms count on most of their members not showing up after their initial flush of enthusiasm. Wait till a few weeks into the New Year or a few weeks after the new school year and the car park is once again feeling spacious.

So, there's nothing wrong with me, I'm just being human!

Time and again my clients tell me accountability is one of the most important parts of my programs for them.  It seems to be human nature for most of us to be pretty good at keeping our word to others.  When we say we'll do something we usually do.

And we're lousy at keeping our word to ourselves.  There always seems to be something that pulls us in another direction.

Research has shown we greatly increase our chances of achieving something when we:

• commit to a certain time to do a task and schedule it
• have someone we are accountable to - someone we check in with

This is all about integrity and integrity is represented in the Fame & Reputation area of your home. It's a fire element - this is where passion and purpose and how we show up in the world, live. And it's a big part of the results we get.

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These are my suggestions for greatly increasing your chances of making a change in your life.

1. Get really clear about what it is you want to change.  And more than that - what's important about that to you? It's easy to think we 'should' exercise. But why do you want to - what's in it for you?  The idea of exercising in itself isn't that inspiring to many of us, just like the idea of having money isn't really, but the more you can get into the feelings associated with achieving your intention the more power your intention will have.  What difference will it make in your life? What's really important to you?
    
2. Commit to a certain time.  Commit to showing up at a certain time.  I get a lot more done when I schedule chunks of time in my calendar for specific tasks.  Otherwise it's easier for me to sit wondering what to do next, or fall into my default position and check my emails again. With some things it can be as easy as making a decision about when you're going to do it.  
    
3. Create a system for accountability.  If you can find a program or group to join, almost everyone achieves a lot more in a group than they do on their own. The structure, the support the accountability and belonging, all add up to making something way bigger happen for you.
    
4. Surround yourself with Fire energy.  Red is the colour of fire and the colour associated with passion and purpose and who you're being in the world. In Feng Shui the Fame & Reputation area is associated with these qualities.
   
   Every room needs a touch of red, and if you can put something red or a fire element symbol such as a candle, a light, a triangular shaped object, in the Fame & Reputation area of a room or your home,  this will strengthen the energy here and support you in creating a structure so you take the action you need to keep your word to yourself. This is a good place to put a symbol of your intention too.  An image that represents the outcome you'd like, a collage, some sign of recognition you'll earn.

Recently I started going to a circuit class at my gym at 9.15 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  It's more like a social club - the women are my age, the trainer has quite a personality, and we do a lot of laughing.  Despite it being at a terrible time, right in the middle of my morning, I usually get there when I don't have something scheduled. They all know my name and they notice when I'm not there.  I have a connection and feel like I belong.

For success it often takes all four of my suggestions to achieve the changes you want - especially if it's something that's been on your mind for a while.  Being clear about your intention, committing to taking action at a certain time, being part of a group and making sure you have enough fire energy around you, will be enough to get you that outcome you've had on your mind or your list forever.

Try it with something you'd love to change in your life - being focused on your outcome and taking baby steps consistently.  It's like magic!

Let me know how you get on.  I love hearing from you.

©Copyright 2006 Life Design Strategies

About Vicky White
Vicky is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and Life Coach who works with women in the midst of life who want more purpose, passion and meaning in their lives. 
Website: [ www.LifeDesignStrategies.com ]