LifeGrid Magazine May 2017 | Page 25

requires us to change our perception and thinking. We can’t solve something with the same mindset that created our challenge so we need to look within. Throughout the journey, I encourage my clients to have 2 meaningful conversations. The first one is with their current selves whereby they are able to question their decisions, raise doubts and fears and explore ways to justify why this change is best for them. To the extent that we can get clear about what we want to have, who we want to be and why this matters, we will move through the kingdom of darkness with confidence and purpose. The second conversation is with our future selves. When we come to a crossroads, we need to have a big, excit- ing and inspiring picture of the future. This way, we will be pulled by our dream and that force will help us create goals that are in alignment with who we truly want to become. When your vision of your future self is clear, you can slowly take the steps towards becoming. Helpers: No one needs to move through transformation alone. Sometimes our helpers are family, friends, co-work- ers and professionals. Sometimes our greatest helpers are metaphysical: our faith, creativity and willpower. We have the chance on this journey to recruit all the help we want - to support and lift us higher. I recommend writing a list of all the people and your qualities that could help you move through a current dilemma, obstacle, challenge or change. You might be beautifully surprised! Test: The test is the very thing we know we need to do in order to reach our next peak. The test might be something small or something big but it is a definitive step that must be taken to get momentum flowing. It may look like a phone call. It may be a meeting I need to schedule. It may be journaling and writing down a strategy and plan. It may be setting up a task or starting a new habit. But the test is something to do, measure and track. Prizes: The ultimate prize on the journey is the end result. When I have solved the mystery, made the change, andisaitowitz.com overcom e the obstacle – that is the big prize! But let’s not forget that we can gain so many wonderful prizes on a heroic journey if we take the time to stop, notice and relish those moments of gratitude, appreciation, self-awareness, discovery and fulfillment. All of these are magnificent treasures to cherish on your way. And finally, the transformation – you have reached your goal, you have solved the problem – you have achieved the very thing you weren’t sure you would accomplish. You remind yourself that you are braver and stronger that you can possibly imagine and that you can do difficult things. You are not the same person you were when you began your journey and you are now equipped with an experience and new competencies that you can use for your next journey. The hero journey model reinforces that we can be the hero of our own story. We can be afraid and confused. We can give ourselves permission to stop and rethink who we are, what our values are and where we really want to go. We can ask for help and get clarity on our “end in mind”. We can celebrate our small wins along the way to keep positive and driven. We can fall, but we can also get back up. No-one thinks of a hero as someone who had an easy time. A hero is a strong, brave and inspiring person because of the mystery and the challenge and the victory. The next time you feel stuck, use these 7 stages to guide you through and gently ask yourself, What would a hero do? facebook.com/AndiSaitowitzLifeCoachMotivationalSpeaker instagram.com/andisaitowitz