Wendel Abel

Do you feel stifled in your personal life? Do you want to re-energise and refocus your career? Are there tasks and projects which you are struggling to complete? Do you have critical decisions you need to take?

So, you are stuck in a crossroad in life and you are not moving forward; life is 10 per cent what happens to you but 90 per cent how you respond to it (Charles Swindoll). Consider these suggestions:

1. Create a living vision for yourself. Far too many persons have absolutely no idea what they want to do with their lives. Remember, without vision the people perish. Grab a sheet of paper and find some quiet time and compile a list of the things you want to achieve.

2. Set realistic goals. Having a vision is great! But you must set clear goals in order to achieve your vision. The goals must be realistic, achievable and measurable. Do not set too many goals that you know are not achievable within the time frame that you have set for yourself.

3. Free yourself. Many of us are shackled by past experiences, issues from our childhood and painful memories of broken relationships. Free your body, mind and spirit of the pain of the past. Sometimes these baggages of the past weigh us down, they become an emotional burden and they hold us back. They keep us back.

4. Replace negatives thoughts. Many persons engage in negative thinking without even realising this. When confronted with problems, pause and state these problems that are bogging you down. Many of us are great in stating problems and that's it. We do not take it a step further.

For every problem you state, generate new ideas to help you to propose a solution. Remember, every problem has a solution and every solution must be found. In your family or at your workplace, start today by discussing the problems and encourage each person to propose solutions. We need to involve more persons in the thinking process.

You are today where your thoughts have brought you and you are tomorrow where your thoughts take you (James Allen).

5. Affirmations. Develop positive affirmations that reflect your positive thinking and that will also drive your thought processes. Train your mind to create the life you want to achieve and to live.

6. Time management is critical. Many persons are not able to take on the simplest of task because their time management skills are poor. Time management involves setting realistic tasks that can be achieved within reasonable time, learning how to prioritise and to work more efficiently.

7. Personal growth. Any future success starts with personal growth. You have to commit yourself to personal growth and development. Invest in personal development. You may want to secure the services of a life coach or attend a transformational workshop to assist you in making the necessary changes in your life and to aid you in achieving your goals.

Remember whatever the mind conceives it will achieve.

Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.