Earlier this year, I had the privilege of delivering a keynote speech at a conference for women financial advisors. The core message of my speech revolved around the concept of achieving high performance and productivity while sidestepping the stress, anxiety, and overwhelm that often accompany such endeavors. I titled my speech “Thriving in the Fast Lane,” a reflection of the newfound tranquility I’ve experienced since overcoming my own anxiety and panic attacks.
Building on the ideas from that speech, I’ve developed a 90-Day Planner designed to assist you in “Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals.” Within this planner, I introduce readers to the concept of “Inspired Thinking” and the 4-Step C.A.L.M. method, which represents my approach to conquering anxiety and panic attacks. My mission is to empower highly productive professionals, many of whom are moms juggling various responsibilities, to tap into their internal guidance system. This unique resource aids in making informed decisions for the next steps in any situation.
Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent times, with many associating it with slowing down and doing less. My personal journey, however, has revealed quite the opposite. By intentionally slowing down to connect with my internal guidance system, I’ve actually achieved more than ever before. I’ve shed the habit of agonizing over what to do next and instead, I simply ask and then proceed with my day until the optimal solution reveals itself.
This article draws its inspiration from the content of my speech, and I’m profoundly grateful to those who witnessed it and reached out to me. In the sections below, I’ll share the fundamental framework I employ for Goal Setting, Planning, and Achieving, along with strategies for overcoming obstacles.
Step 1: Setting Your Goals
Recently I released an episode called: Redefining SMART Goals: NEW LOOK – Achieve YOUR Goals Faster, in it I challenge the old S.M.A.R.T. goals framework and suggest a new way to look at goal setting. My current obsession is to work on goals that are Soul-Fulfilling!
Embracing Soul-Fulfilling Goals: To truly thrive in the fast lane, the first step is to set goals that encompass not just achievement but also fulfillment. These are the goals that invigorate you and align with your inner purpose. They should resonate with your values and ignite your motivation. Often, these are audacious goals that require stepping out of your comfort zone.
The Role of Energy and Passion: Evaluate whether your goals invigorate you or deplete your energy. Goals that fuel your enthusiasm are more likely to keep you committed over the long haul. Your passion becomes the driving force behind your journey. 
Contributing to Your Community: Thriving isn’t solely about personal achievement; it’s also about the positive impact your goals have on your community and the people around you. Contemplate how your goals can enhance relationships, unite individuals, or contribute positively to your community.
Aligning with Your Soul’s Purpose: The most profound goals are those that resonate with your soul’s purpose. These objectives provide your life with deeper meaning and fulfillment, often extending beyond personal gain and connecting you with a higher purpose.
Stretching Your Limits: Challenge yourself to set goals that stretch your boundaries. Goals that make success uncertain can yield the most rewarding outcomes. These ambitious goals propel you to grow, learn, and develop new skills.
Step 2: Planning to Achieve Your Goals
Creating Space: Thriving in the fast lane demands that you carve out space in your life for focused work on your goals. This entails setting boundaries and allocating dedicated time for goal-related tasks.
Effective Time Management: Employ tools like calendars, scheduling apps, or time-blocking techniques to manage your time efficiently. Prioritize tasks related to your goals and allocate time for them in your schedule.
Building Time Buffers: Incorporate time buffers between appointments and tasks to prevent over-scheduling and reduce stress. These buffers offer breathing room in your schedule and alleviate the pressure to rush from one activity to the next.
Prioritizing Tasks: Learn the art of prioritization by assessing tasks based on their importance and alignment with your goals. Identify the most critical activities that will contribute significantly to your goal’s attainment.
The Power of Consistency: Consistency is a pivotal factor in achieving success. Consistently dedicate time and effort to your goals, even when progress seems slow. Small, consistent steps can yield substantial results over time. Check out our video – Mastering Minutes: Transforming Micro Goals into Life-Changing Habits
Step 3: Accomplishing Your Goals
Visualization: Visualize your goals as if they’ve already been achieved. This mental exercise helps you maintain focus and motivation. Immerse yourself in the emotions associated with your accomplishments, which can propel you to work harder and remain committed.
Alignment in Decision-Making: As you progress toward your goals, let your vision of the completed goal guide your decision-making. Continually assess whether your choices align with your end goal, helping you stay on course and avoid distractions.
Embrace Flexibility: While it’s essential to maintain a clear goal, be open to adaptability in your approach. Unexpected challenges or opportunities may necessitate adjustments to your plans. Embrace adaptability as part of the journey.
Tracking Progress: Regularly evaluate your progress toward your goals. Celebrate small victories along the way and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Monitoring your progress keeps you motivated and accountable.
Inspired Thinking: When faced with uncertainty or obstacles, tap into your internal guidance system through inspired thinking. Pose questions like, “What is the next optimal step?” Place trust in your inner wisdom to provide valuable insights.
Incorporating these strategies into your goal-setting and achievement process can empower you to thrive in the fast lane. Remember that the journey holds as much significance as the destination. By establishing meaningful goals, planning strategically, and staying committed to your vision, you can attain success while maintaining balance and fulfillment in your life.
Eliminate, Automate, Delegate
Eliminate: Carefully scrutinize your tasks and identify what can be eliminated. Not everything you do is necessary, and simplifying your workload can liberate valuable time and energy.
Automate: Harness technology and tools to automate repetitive tasks, reminders, and processes. Automation streamlines your workflow and reduces manual effort.
Delegate: Don’t shy away from delegating tasks to others. Trust that delegating can elevate someone else while affording you more time to concentrate on what truly matters.
Inspired Thinking Method
One of my most effective tools for achieving substantial goals is the Inspired Thinking Method. This involves consulting your internal guidance system when you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about the next steps. Trusting your inner wisdom can be a potent resource on your journey toward achieving your goals.
The “Thriving in the Fast Lane” approach offers a refreshing perspective on goal-setting and productivity. By setting soul-fulfilling goals, strategizing effectively, and embracing the principles of elimination, automation, and delegation, you can navigate life’s fast lane without becoming overwhelmed. Additionally, incorporating the Inspired Thinking Method can provide the guidance and clarity needed to attain even your most ambitious goals.
If you’re seeking further guidance and resources for your journey, I invite you to explore my book, “Thriving in the Fast Lane: 90 Days to Set, Plan, and Achieve Your Goals,” and engage with the Shine First Today community for support and inspiration.
Sending You Light & Love! Danette
Our NEW course – Thriving in the Fast Lane – Increase Productivity AND Bandwidth is available for pre-order.
This course is crafted specifically for hardworking professionals who desire “Stress-Free SUCCESS” and want to find Balance, Achieve and of course, Thrive!
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