Design your life - Part 5 - Putting the plan into action

Getting my body back - Day 116

The designer is now ready to put his or her plans into action. The pattern is placed on the fabric and the fabric is cut out to the exact shape of the pattern.

The designer knows that he or she must follow the shape of the pattern into order to gain success in achieving the best fit from the dress. Any flaws encountered in the fitting of the dress lies in the construction of the pattern and that's where correction of errors would be made in order for ease of fitting.

Similarly, once you have put a plan together, it is time to implement that plan, put the plan into action. Your plan is the map which you will follow to get you to acquiring your goal. Any flaws in the action would have to be corrected in the original plan and as a result the follow up action will follow the new adjustment.

A designer would have several fittings along the assembling time of the garment to ensure that he or she is still on course and there were no errors made in drafting the pattern.

Evaluation of your progress and regular reference and possible adjustments to your original plan is necessary in accordance to the progress being made in achieving one's goal.

I've made several adjustments from my original plan to accelerate my ideal weight goal. Some things you may not be able to foresee and as a result you evaluate and make provisions necessary to accommodate the change. You don't keep pursuing the same course if you can clearly see that the current one is not working efficiently.

If the designer is not satisfied with the fitting, adjustments will be made on the drafted pattern, as well as the garment, to improve the deficiency. Once he or she is satisfied with the overall fit of the garment, the designer continues to sew all the pieces together adding final touches and completes the garment. The final outcome - a perfectly fitted dress - a job well done. The designer is pleased with his work and feels a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and so will you.

Action steps:

1) Put your plans into action
2) Evaluate your progress regularly
3) Make necessary adjustments to your original plan, as well as, your action steps
4) Keep moving until you reach your goal

Fuelling words: I consistently review my plans and evaluate my progress to ensure I'm on target and moving in the direction of my goal.

Workout: walking, jogging, endurance exercise, weight lifting

Design your life - Part 4 - Gather your materials

Getting my body back - Day 115

When a designer has completed the pattern, he or she purchases the fabric that's suitable for the dress style. The designer also gathers all the other raw materials, such as thread, zipper and buttons etc., that are necessary to complete the dress.

Once you've put your plan together to achieving your goal, you have a clear picture of the direction in which you're going. Now, you can begin to gather your materials necessary to implement each aspect of your plan. Some materials you may already have on hand, some you may need to purchase. Having all your materials all together when you need them saves you time and frustration when you're ready to use them.

When I put together my plan for my exercise routine, I made sure I had suitable running shoes for walking. I also knew what route I'm taking for the walk. For my endurance exercise I use the stairs as my step workout and I have several weight sizes for my weight lifting. Other equipment could also include an exercise ball, skipping ropes or if you have a gym membership all the equipment is already provided for you.

When you are gathering your materials, depending on what your goals are, someone else may already have all the equipment needed for you to execute your plan, or you may have to gather them yourself. You decide what will be the best choice for achieving your goals. The important point is that you choose, and then, put your plan into action.

Action steps:

1) Make a list of all the materials or equipment you need
2) Decide if someone else has all the equipment you need and pay them a fee for usage
3) Decide if you'd rather gather the equipment yourself
4) Find a central area to set up your equipment
5) Get ready to put your plan into action

Fuelling words: I gather all the equipment I need to carry out my action plan, adding and changing as the need arises.

Workout: walking, endurance exercises, weight lifting

Design your life - Part 2 - Getting it on paper

Getting my body back - Day 113

When a designer has decided on the desired style of dress, he or she sits down with a sketch pad and sketches the idea out on paper.

Similar, once you are clear on the design of your life, the next step is getting the design out of your head and onto paper. Getting it on paper is the first step to engaging in magical creativity and solidifying your desires.

Some years ago our family went fishing but was not catching anything. It was raining a bit that day and the rainbow was set in brilliant colours in the sky. I had a pad and pen in hand and began doodling. The thought came to me - why not draw a fish and see what happens.

As I drew the first fish, to my surprise, my husband shouted out to me - I caught a fish. I told him what I had done and then I decided to draw another fish, and yes, he caught another fish and then another. After a while I had stopped drawing and he was not catching any more fish. He asked me if I had drawn another fish. I quickly sketched the outline of another, adding scales to make it look more lifelike, and yes, he caught another one. That was a very magical and certainly amazing moment for us.

The point is, whether you sketch your desire or get a picture of your life design, getting it on paper moves you closer to the manifestation of what you desire. It goes beyond wishing or wishful thinking to bringing it into reality.

Some have started dream boards - collecting pictures of their desire and gluing it onto a board. Others have called it book of possibilities. It is using whatever method that works for you to enhance your visual perception of your dream life and setting your intentions on both the spiritual, as well as the physical plain, working together in sync to bring about your desired reality.

Action Steps:

1) Select areas of your life you desire to design or redesign
2) One by one - sketch your desired outcome
3) Find and cut out pictures of your dreams
4) Create a dream board or a book of possibilities
5) Review your dream daily to form a clear vivid mental picture and feel the feelings to having it.


Fuelling words: I visualize an image of me at a point in time when I was at my ideal weight and I see myself then as if it is now.

Workout - walking, endurance exercise, weight lifting

Design your life - Part 1 - Clarity

Getting my body back - Day 112

As the designer of your life, if you are unclear as to what you desire manifested in your reality, you're allowing life to happen to you by default and not for you by design.

Before a designer creates a dress, he or she must first know what the desired design is. The designer must have a clear picture of the desired style of the dress before construction begins.

Similarly, you must know and be very clear with your image of your life.

How do you gain clarity?

Sit in a quiet place and search your inner desires and listen closely to what your heart is feeling. Listen for your true feelings and not what you think you want. For example, you may be looking for a job, willing to take whatever comes your way, but in your heart you truly desire to open your own business but you don't see how it's possible.

Sometimes we may say that we want one thing but deep in our hearts we desire something else. We may only think we desire something because we don't think we could get what it is we truly desire and therefore settle for the substitute desire.

Remove mental limitations. You can't focus on the truth of your desire if you are focused on limitations and obstacles like "I can't see how I could achieve this. I can't see how this is possible. I don't have enough money. I don't have enough time. I don't have the qualifications." When you lay aside limitations and focus on your true desire then you can see a clear picture of your desired life and participate emotionally in the joy of living your dream.

Action steps:

1) Sit in a quiet place
2) Search your heart for your true desires
3) Remove all mental limitations and obstacles
4) See a clear mental picture of your desired life in vivid images
5) Feel the feelings of you enjoying your desired life

Fuelling words: I keep a clear mental vivid image of my desired weight goal and fully participate in the joy of its attainment.

Workout - walking, endurance exercise, weight lifting, deep breathing, gardening