Imagine yourself at the age of 80, sitting on a serene veranda, gently rocking back and forth as you reflect on your life's journey. What would bring a sense of pride and contentment to your heart in that moment? What accomplishments, experiences, and connections would you cherish? What will have faded away? As you ponder these questions, consider the markers of success that truly matter to you.
Neuroscience offers profound insights into how our brains process and prioritise value, shaping our perceptions of success and fulfilment. Through a phenomenon known as "value tagging," our brains assign significance to various experiences, goals, and endeavours based on their perceived importance. We can harness this power! Moreover, the brain possesses remarkable neuroplasticity, capable of rewiring itself in response to new experiences and priorities. In essence, neuroplasticity underscores the brain's incredible capacity for growth, adaptation, and resilience. By understanding and harnessing this phenomenon, we can optimise our brain health, enhance our cognitive abilities, and cultivate a lifelong journey of learning.
Returning to the veranda, what aspects of her life do you believe would bring her the greatest sense of fulfilment? Perhaps it's the meaningful relationships she cultivated, the adventures she embarked on, or the contributions she made to her community. Whatever it may be, these markers of success reflect the values and priorities she embraced throughout her life.
Look through this list, what resonates with you?
Personal Fulfilment: Feeling content and satisfied with one's life choices and accomplishments.
Financial Security: Having sufficient savings, investments, and resources to support oneself comfortably in retirement.
Healthy Relationships: Maintaining meaningful connections with family members, friends, and loved ones.
Physical Well-being: Enjoying good health and vitality, with the ability to engage in daily activities without limitations.
Mental Acuity: Maintaining cognitive function, memory, and sharpness of mind as one ages.
Emotional Resilience: Being able to cope with life's challenges, setbacks, and losses while maintaining emotional well-being.
Contribution to Others: Making a positive impact on others through mentorship, volunteering, or philanthropy.
Continued Learning: Remaining intellectually curious and engaged in lifelong learning pursuits.
Legacy Building: Leaving behind a meaningful legacy through contributions to family, community, or society.
Sense of Purpose: Feeling a sense of meaning and fulfillment derived from one's contributions, passions, or beliefs.
Coaching Questions:
Close your eyes and envision yourself at 80 years old. What aspects of your life would bring you the most pride and satisfaction?
Reflect on the choices you've made thus far. Do they align with your long-term vision of success and fulfilment?
Consider the activities, relationships, and experiences that currently bring you joy and fulfilment. How can you incorporate more of these into your life?
Identify any areas where you feel misaligned or unfulfilled. What steps can you take to realign with your core values and aspirations?
How can you leverage the neuroscience of value tagging and neuroplasticity to reshape your priorities and goals?
James Clear emphasises the importance of designing systems to support our goals. What systems or habits can you implement to ensure consistent progress towards your markers of success?
Imagine yourself achieving your desired markers of success. How would that make you feel? What actions can you take today to move closer to that reality?
As you contemplate your markers of success and envision the life you desire, remember that you have the power to choose. By aligning your goals with your values, leveraging a growth mindset and leaning into the brains neuroplasticity, you can create a life rich in purpose, fulfilment, and joy.
Are you ready to explore this further and unlock your full potential? I offer 1:1 coaching sessions in blocks of 6 or 12 sessions. Together, we can delve deeper into what life could look like, create a plan and start taking action.
Comments