Is Your Life GREAT? Part II
Posted on August 29, 2012 by Anja Serfontein, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
This two-part article was printed in Taiwan's International Community Magazine: How to make the best out of your assignment abroad?
When I moved to Singapore in 1999 I went there as a Student with one suitcase only. Seven years later I moved back to Germany – but this time with a husband and a container full of stuff in tow. In the meantime our furniture went from Asia to Europe and back. Once our moves got handled through the help of International Relocation companies I have to say they became a smooth transition. Yes, it was a lot of things to consider and sometimes I had the feeling my head was close to explode – but in general the physical move was an easy piece with the amazing help of experts by your side.
But what comes afterwards? The move is done – the cartons unpacked.
Having left your home country, were you hopefully lived a happy and fulfilling life you start to look for that carton were you’ve put ‘happiness and good times’ in. OOPS – did that one gone missing?
Of course these intangible things are unable to be packed by the movers. It is your own responsibility to re-create the GREAT life you’ve had back home. Oh – things weren’t so smooth back home? Never mind! Now you are given a clean sheet and you can press the re-start button. Isn’t that fantastic?
In the last COT issue I’ve been inviting you to draw up your own Art-of-Living-Abroad Wheel. This forms the very basis of your Vision that you work towards. Some of you might simply visualize this Vision in your head – but it becomes even more powerful when you make a collage out of pictures resembling your ideas.
There are a few other things you have to remember when trying to achieve your desired life:
Believe in your vision
It is one thing to paint a nice picture – but it is another to believe in it. One of my most important lessons from life has been: Commitment + Action = Success whereas Trying + Doubt = Failure.
Do you believe in your vision?
Involve your partner and family
How can they support you, if they don’t know how you envision things to fall into place? It is very important to draw up individual visions for each family member and then find out how they can be aligned into one big family vision.
One step after the other – take your time
How to eat an Elephant? One piece at a time! (*No worries with Elephant I mean your anticipated projects). If you for example desire to write a book – take the very first step and start writing. You will be amazed how quickly you have a book together if you only commit to write 500 words a day!
Recognise your own achievements
It’s important to acknowledge your milestones along the way. Managed to de-clutter a room? Or shopped smartly for healthy family dinners? Well done! Write it done. You are one step closer to make your vision reality
Remain true to your values
Many people are not aware of their personal values – hence find it difficult to live in line with them.
Assuming that you understand your core values in life make sure your actions are aligned with them.
Be prepared to change and adapt your vision if necessary
“The only constant is change” with this in mind we have to leave some flexibility towards the goals we aspire to. Life sometimes unfolds in a different way than planned. That’s ok – that’s why it is LIFE! But we have control over how we react to things – so if your dreams change or detour don’t sweat about it. It is ok!
Move outside your comfort zone and do it now
For my husband it was Asparagus soup, for my friend it was joining the gym – whatever it is that stretches your horizon is a good thing! Especially in a foreign setting it is important that we recognize the differences around us and overcome them by taking a leap forward.
Be honest with yourself – it is ok to be sad.
It happens to all of us. So why should it not be acceptable for you, who lives many miles away from your friends and family? Reach out to a new friend you trust (or call an old friend back home when you experience the ‘expat blues’.)
Seek further help and advise
If you feel stuck reach out to the hands around you. There is the Center with its excellent Counsellor Team that is there for you or consider working with a coach. A Coaching Programme will enable you to realise your full potential and to achieve balance and happiness in all your life areas. Find a coach who can support you in the best possible way and who understands the challenges of living and working abroad.
This article was inspired by Jeanne A. Heinzer – the author of the book: “Living Your Best Life Abroad”
