Great Goals Make You Stretch!

I began enhancing my personal energy level three months shy of my 40th birthday and after 2 years of struggling with clinically-diagnosed depression. During this same period, I was challenged immensely by the debilitating effects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and being rendered permanently partially disabled as the result of being involved in two car accidents in six days (neither of which was I at fault). I recall an incredible sense of emptiness and a daunting feeling of being completely overwhelmed; especially when trying to figure out which pills went with what ills. Unable to return to the vocation I loved, I received disability payments and simply existed. Most of my time was spent in bed where I eventually became 48 pounds "over-fat."

When dreams and reasons for living are wiped out by the greatest, of the least unexpected, most people priorities typically change. My priorities? Well, they just disappeared. I was defeated physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and knocking on "Financially's" door. Making the bed was not a priority; it simply went unmade. And when it came down to paying the bills, many went unpaid. One day I was moved enough to actually cultivate the emotion of being "fed up!" During this awakening, I made the decision to reclaim complete responsibility for my life. And I did.

Today, 37 months post accidents, I am 51 pounds lighter, at least 52 times brighter. Following my "awakening" I set goals to become an author, speaker, consultant, educator, private investigator and small business woman. As a personal energy consultant who promotes and practices life-altering change, my philosophy is that of a guerilla's - not a guru's. My approach is innovative, strategic, fun, proven and desired-results focused.

I figure, if I overcame all of my physical, spiritual and psychological ailments, discovered how to run faster; jump higher; throw farther; look younger, stay up longer - manifest twice as much energy than I did when I was a "starting" NCAA athlete half my age - anyone can do the "undoable," too! Whatever it may be.

When clients & friends counter and say, "Maybe it worked for you, Fran, but it won't necessarily work for me." I simply say: "Look, I have a central nervous system and so do you; I'm a child of God, and you are too!" They typically smile then sheepishly roll up their sleeves.

Miracles happen when you audaciously remind one of the Divine.

Paramount to enhancing my personal energy level was to identify, outline and write down my Physical Goals. Returning to playing competitive softball, being the team's starting "short stop" and winning the league championship were my top three goals. I promised myself I would return to play softball at a competitive level if it killed me. It almost did! By season's end, I had accomplished all three of these goals.

Playing both Tournament softball and in several leagues simultaneously is quite challenging - even in the so-called recreational leagues. It requires an incredible amount of stamina, strength, focus, concentration, capital and energy. The first week on the practice field followed a five year absence of anything that even remotely resembled exercise. It left me limping around with a blue, pain-alleviating ointment. I had soreness in muscles I never even knew existed!

As I continued practicing, competing and following a disciplined conditioning program, something just short of magical happened. My personality sparked with a resurgence of charisma, confidence and boldness. My muscles grew stronger, my energy increased, the fat melted off my body and activity not only became easier, but quite enjoyable... I was living my best life as I had designed.

Great goals make you stretch. They can take you well beyond anything you could possibly imagine! The most important part of setting great goals is not the goals themselves, but the person one becomes in the stretch!