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Designing Your Signature Life, Part
1
Melissa Galt
The Parts and Pieces:
In Part 1 of this 2 part series about designing your signature life,
we’ll talk about how Interiors, Career Choices, Relationships, and
Entertaining and Homemaking can all be wonderful opportunities for you
to express your unique style.
Designing your signature life is not just about your home interiors but
is instead about every aspect of your life. It is about truly designing
your LIFE! Designing a signature life will enable you to get what you
want by making a plan, establishing goals and creating a map to get
there. By demonstrating flexibility and patience in each step you’ll be
able to maximize your potential and the opportunities we each have. It’s
about creating a life as unique as your own signature!
Interiors
Designing your home interiors is a process of self discovery. Each
decision leads you closer to defining yourself, where you are right now
and where you are headed. The elements you bring into your home
represent the experiences you have had and those you still want to
enjoy. The artwork you include is inspiration for everyday. The way you
arrange furnishings indicates whether you are ready to invite others in
or prefer to maintain a more solo existence. Your signature style at
home can be read much like your signature on a piece of paper. Someone
who doesn’t know you can learn a lot by looking around at the choices
you have included. Those that do know you and pay attention will learn
more and know how to contribute to your life at this point.
Your office interiors reflect your success and future visions as well as
providing an environment that fosters productivity and accomplishment.
An office is a significant statement about your career choice.
Incorporating awards, recognition and evidence of your achievements
reinforces your abilities and gives notice of your credibility. An
inviting, comfortable space is something you can look forward to working
in.
Interior design and decorating makes a fundamental impact on the
individuals living in, working in and visiting a space. The impact is
positive or negative based on the effectiveness of the design and
sensitivity to its users. Design is a personal statement and needs to be
a fair representation of the occupant.
Career Choices
Designing your career path can be complicated and involve several moves,
shifts in talents and experience, and even additional education. It is
about finding your purpose and your passion and merging them into a
rewarding path. It is about being willing to explore a variety of
interests and pursuits and expand your horizons beyond the site lines.
It is about limitless thinking. It is about creating a life, not just a
job. A career is also just a part of what we do and who we are. It does
not define us or limit us, but instead allows us to give to others and
make a positive impact on those around us.
Many people feel trapped by their work. They may be unhappy and complain
relentlessly, but they are unwilling to make a change. Notice they are
not unable, just unwilling. I am not suggesting that anyone randomly and
irresponsibly quit their job; few of us can afford that. But we are all
capable of making change, setting new goals, looking toward new
horizons. Creating your signature life is all about the willingness to
do this, and about knowing who to ask for guidance and direction.
Often a career or business coach is an invaluable investment when making
a career transition or move up the ladder. Networking with other
professionals and business associates is another important means of
exploring new opportunities and paths. Being discreet but determined in
your quest is often the real key. Don’t allow naysayers to discourage
you. They are simply frustrated that they themselves are afraid to make
a change.
Relationships
There is a wonderful old adage that says we are each the sum total of
those we surround ourselves with. Are you really surrounding yourself
with people that are positive, successful, excited about life, and
making a difference? Or instead do you find yourself bogged down by
those who are complaining, whining, and absorbed in victim thinking? It
is a choice of who you attract and allow in your life. It is not an
accident.
When you exhibit an upbeat attitude, optimism, and a generous spirit,
typically you will attract the same types of people into your life. This
isn’t to say we don’t all have gray days and down moments, but it is to
say we have a choice in how we process the events in our lives and
whether we consider something a failure or merely a lesson learned,
however painful.
In the same way we often settle for less than we dream of in our work
lives, we may also settle for less in relationships. We stop trying. We
tell ourselves that what we have is better than having nothing at all.
The result is often unhappiness and unhealthiness on both sides.
Relationships require continual care and feeding regardless of whether
they are with family, friends, romantic partners, coworkers, or
acquaintances. When they are neglected they will wither. This applies
even to our relationship with ourselves and our own spirituality. It is
important for us to consistently feed ourselves kind words, good
self-talk, and a faith beyond our own abilities. When we forget to do
this, we find our well running dry, and our faith may falter. By keeping
ourselves strong and our beliefs whole and active, we are there for
ourselves and for others.
In Part 2 of this series we’ll look at the remaining areas of your life
that call for your signature style and also address the bigger issues of
balance, your influence on the rest of the world and creating a life
plan that is continuously adjusting to your age and circumstances.
Creating your signature life is about fulfilling your potential, being
bold enough to leave your mark on the world, and feeling fulfilled and
secure despite the often volatile nature of everyday life. Find your
signature. Design your life. LIVE.
Article Source:
www.articlerich.com
Copyright 2006 Melissa
Galt
Melissa Galt is a
Lifestyle Designer and Speaker based in Atlanta, GA. She hosts a series
of blogs on design tips and trends, and produces a monthly ezine
dedicated to helping subscribers design their signature life. For the
latest teleclasses, seminars, and ebooks on designing your life check
out
www.melissagalt.com.
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