Tag: Spirituality

Awakened Leadership: Harnessing Spiritual Insight for Better Work-Life Balance

As a transformational learning expert and author, I often explore the profound journeys that shape our lives. Two of the most compelling paths are through a spiritual awakening (a shift in consciousness) and personal transformation (due to change or trauma). Each journey, while distinct, offers unique opportunities for growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

Both spiritual awakening and personal transformation due to change/trauma significantly impact one’s work/life balance and influence their work life in distinct ways. Here’s how each can affect these aspects:

Impact of a Spiritual Awakening on Work/Life Balance and Work Life

  1. Work/Life Balance:
    • Prioritization of Inner Well-being: Spiritual awakening often leads individuals to prioritize their inner well-being and personal fulfillment over material success or external achievements. This can result in a more balanced approach to work and personal life.
    • Mindfulness and Presence: Practices such as mindfulness and meditation, which are common in spiritual journeys, can reduce stress and improve focus, helping to create a healthier balance between work and personal life.
    • Reduced Attachment to Work Stress: With a deeper understanding of life’s purpose, individuals may feel less attached to the stresses and demands of their work, leading to better mental health and a more relaxed attitude toward work.
  2. Influence on Work Life:
  • Purpose-Driven Work: A spiritual awakening often prompts individuals to seek work that aligns with their values and sense of purpose. This can lead to career changes or a shift in how they approach their current job, aiming to make a meaningful impact.
  • Enhanced Empathy and Leadership: Individuals may develop greater empathy and compassion, enhancing their leadership qualities and improving relationships with colleagues and clients.
  • Innovative and Creative Thinking: The broadened perspective gained from spiritual insights can foster innovative and creative thinking, benefiting problem-solving and project development at work.
  • Ethical Decision-Making: A heightened sense of ethics and integrity often accompanies spiritual awakening, influencing individuals to make decisions that are not only beneficial for the company but also socially and environmentally responsible.

Impact of Personal Transformation Due to Change on Work/Life Balance and Work Life

  1. Work/Life Balance:
    • Adaptability and Resilience: Personal transformation due to external changes often involves developing greater adaptability and resilience. This can help individuals manage work pressures more effectively, contributing to a better work/life balance.
    • Time Management Skills: As individuals navigate personal transformations, they often become better at managing their time and setting boundaries, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
    • Health and Well-being Focus: Coping with significant changes often necessitates a focus on health and well-being, encouraging habits that promote a better balance between work and personal life.
  2. Influence on Work Life:
  • Skill Development: The need to adapt to new circumstances often involves acquiring new skills or improving existing ones, enhancing professional competence and career prospects.
  • Shift in Career Goals: Personal transformations can lead to a reassessment of career goals and aspirations, sometimes resulting in career changes or new professional directions that better align with personal growth and values.
  • Increased Productivity: Overcoming personal challenges can build confidence and motivation, leading to increased productivity and effectiveness at work.
  • Enhanced Interpersonal Skills: Navigating personal changes often improves interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork, positively impacting workplace relationships and dynamics.

Common Outcomes

  • Holistic Approach: Both types of transformation encourage a more holistic approach to life, where work is seen as one aspect of a fulfilling life rather than its central focus.
  • Greater Fulfillment: Individuals who undergo these transformations often seek and find greater fulfillment and meaning in their work, contributing to overall life satisfaction.
  • Resilience and Innovation: Both experiences can enhance resilience and innovative thinking, which are valuable assets in any professional setting.

Whether through a spiritual awakening or personal transformation due to change, individuals often experience a shift towards a more balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful work life. These transformations encourage a focus on inner well-being, purpose-driven work, and the development of skills and qualities that enhance both personal and professional life.

***********************************************************

Angel Carlton Anderson is a Transformational Writer, Speaker and Facilitator…helping people evolve through the natural cycle of change so that they transform into a greater version of themselves, live a life of purpose & lead with impact.  

To Learn more visit:  TransformwithAngel.com

From Struggle to Striving

By Angel Carlton

“The deeper the pain, the greater the GROWTH.” ~Angel Carlton

Several years ago I experienced some major life changes and went through some tough times.  I meditated and journaled on a regular basis to manage my emotions and keep my sanity. Through those journal entries came a consistent message of hope and an explanation of where I’ve been, where I am heading and the most profound idea, why it was happening. I captured these messages and created a framework so that I can better understand the process I was experiencing during each life-altering change being tossed my way. From there, I was guided to write a book with this message and seek a publisher.  So, I did just that and the very first publisher (Changemakers Books) that I sent my proposal to accepted it which, from what I understand, never happens! I am proud to say the time has come and it’s finally hitting the shelves of booksellers all over the world.

I have to be honest here, although the content of this book came through me several years ago with the intention to help others navigate life’s rapid tides of change the same way it helped me, I have continued to experience incredible growth since then. Despite what you may see on my Facebook posts, life’s challenges didn’t stop showing up.  The truth is, change always in motion.  And the more I talk to people, the more I realize so many of us are experiencing the same struggles, stresses and symptoms of transformation. Studies show the pace of change is doubling every year and because our brains are not programmed to adapt to change, it creates stress. Just look at the news! 

It was when the publisher recently sent me my first copy of my own book and read it in its entirety that I gained the perspective I needed for me to prevail through the past few years. It’s almost as if I wrote the book to my future self, the person I am today who needed to hear these messages again. I share this because I truly feel this message is meant to be shared. My purpose is clear, to help people navigate change so that they transform into the next greatest vision of themselves…starting with myself.

So, as I am in the process of introducing my baby to the world, please join me in the celebration of welcoming my new book, Dedicated to Destiny, A Pursuit of Personal Growth, Prosperity & Purpose. It’s about adapting to change in this crazy, hectic world of ours. The book explains how to maintain our focus on a greater purpose, a grander vision of ourselves, to help us get through those tough times and thrive as a result of it all. I introduce the 6 Stages of Transformation that helped me move through some of life’s most horrific challenges, a natural process that if we pay attention to it becomes a powerful life tool.

I remain a student of this process and the more change that occurs in my life, the easier it gets…almost to the point where I embrace it and become wildly curious about the outcome.  There is a confidence in knowing my struggles are part of the journey toward a striving life experience. I invite you to explore the messages for yourself and share them with those around you so that we may create a more compassionate, kind and caring world. Visit:  Dedicated to Destiny to grab your copy.

#ibelieveinyou #changeisgood #dedicatedtodestiny
Continue reading “From Struggle to Striving”

PASSION OR PAYCHECK?

ImageImagine what the world would be like if everyone did what they loved!  We would walk into any restaurant or store and be greeted by a smiling, genuinely happy person who loves to serve people.  We would receive the best customer service wherever we went, because people would truly care and have passion about what they do.  The coffee would be made with love and positive energy at the local coffee shop, food would be healthier and tastier because of the love behind the creative cooking.  People would be more pleasant to one another because there would be less stress from an unfulfilled job or career.  This world would be an entirely different place.  Well, who has the power to change it? Thats right, you do.  If your career is not in alignment with your life passion, it is never too late to choose again.

So perhaps its time to ask yourself, do you work for your passion or a paycheck? Working merely for a paycheck can become unrewarding in time.  When there is nothing to lift or fulfill the spirit on the job, this makes us want to find something else.  And not following through on this can lead to feelings of sadness, depression which then transfer to bitterness and anger, very unhealthy emotions, that do not impact our world in a positive way.

If you are one of those people working merely for a paycheck and not passion, then you are not alone.  80% of people hate their jobs according to a recent US Study.  Although “do what you love and the money will follow” sounds great in theory, there are other factors to consider in this big decision.  

Some of you may have been searching to find that one thing that will fulfill you, asking yourself, “What is my dream job?”  Many people say just “Follow your Passion” but its easier said than done.  So, is that really the best advice?  Its a true fact that 75% of people don’t even know what their true passion is.  But many try to do it anyway before putting enough thought and planning into making a major life shift like following your passion in life.  This is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP TRYING TO FOLLOW THEIR PASSION?
Its what our society has created.  Our culture celebrates the dreamer who beats the odds and succeeds.  However its not how the vast majority succeeds.  I am the first person to cheer you on when it comes to following your dream and soul purpose, however, I do believe you need to set some serious intentions, create a solid plan and put it into action.  People keep trying to follow their passion because they rather do something they enjoy and hope the world rewards them for it as opposed to putting in the hard work.

People often want to turn a hobby into a career, only to find out that the professionals in that category often spend more time on business development than doing their ‘hobbies.  Turning your passionate hobby into a business could have an opposing affect, where you are doing more administrative duties that the creative work that inspires you. If you are the creative type (Life Path 3, for example, is highly creative by nature) consider partnering with others who have a strong business sense (A Life Path 4, hardworking and business oriented, or a take-charge 8 Life Path, the CEO type of person).  

HOW DOES ONE FIND THEIR TRUE PASSION?
Pay close attention to the flow of your life and what is showing up.  The Universe may be delivering something entirely different than what you imagined.  So be open minded, clear the clutter, peel back those layers and begin to expand your imagination.  Spend some quiet time alone, do some heavy duty soul-searching and self-reflection.  Take the observer role of your life for a few minutes and breathe deeply. Nature helps you connect quicker to your spirit, and your spirit is where you true authentic passion lives. Start by answering these 7 questions (will help guide you) and write down the answers in a “My Passion/Purpose Journal”:

What puts a smile on your face?
What do you find easy?
What sparks your creativity?
What would you do for free?
What do you like to talk about?
What makes you unafraid of failure?
What would you regret not having tried?

HOW DO YOU FIND A JOB or CAREER YOU LOVE?
First, you must clearly identify what you’re passion truly is.  Get to the root of the passion.  How it makes you feel versus what the actual activity is. Because the Universe will deliver to the energy vibration of your “feeling”.  Remember, feelings are magnetic!

Second, make a list of everything that you’re passionate about then assign a work title to it.  Be specific. If drawing is something you love, perhaps a graphic designer at a an agency. Think back to your childhood playtime, before society had an influence and adulthood responsibility took over.  What did you enjoy then?  (playing school, arts/crafts, cars, etc.) What was your favorite game? If you say, Monopoly, then perhaps your interest lies in real estate, finance and investing.  If legos was your favorite pastime, then you enjoy building something from the ground up and starting a business or inventing something new may be on your horizon.

Third, You must believe you can. Eliminate fear, doubt and worry – only positive, confident energy and visualize your success every single day. Be sure to surround yourself around others that believe in you too and have less interaction and conversations about your dream with those who don’t back you up.

Fourth, keep the faith! Affirmations have power, reading daily affirmations help accelerate the process (Resource:  Louise Hay, I Can Do It)
 When you hear people speak negatively: “It may be true for some, but not for me. I always prosper no matter where I am or what is going on.”
Reinforce your beliefs:  “I deserve to have a successful career, and I accept it now.”
Eliminate set-backs:  “Limitations are merely opportunities to grow.  I use them as stepping stones to success.”
To eliminate fear of money:  “My income is increasing”
 Unclear of your passion or searching for a new opportunity: “The perfect job/opportunity is looking for me and we are being brought together now.”
To create passion at your current job:  “My job allows me to express my talents and abilities and I am grateful for this employment.”

And lastly, Make a plan and stick to it.

HOW DOES ONE MAKE A PLAN?
Stop complaining about what is not working for you and focus on what you want (not on what you don’t want).  The Universe will give you what you put your energy into. again keep that visual image in the forefront of your thoughts daily.
Set realistic. Measurable goals with specific dates attached to it.  (For example, by July 31, 2013 I will have $2,000 saved to put toward opening my Yoga Studio. By August 30, 2013, I will have $5,000 saved and a business partner.  Sign lease for yoga studio by September 30, 2013 and have grand opening October 15, 2013).  Set specific 30-60-90 day goals and mark your calendar to check your progress at the end of each deadline.
 Network with people in the field of interest.  Learn from their knowledge, successes/failures and experiences.  Find a mentor and a reliable alliance.
If employment with the perfect company is your dream, then narrow down the exact title that fits the description of your dream job and seek a minimum of 10 companies that have an opening for that title – this will make you feel like you have many options.

In conclusion, as a spiritual being, we know this world would be a better place if we worked in our passion zones and encouraged one another to do something they love. So I invite you to do just that.  If you cannot find it in the work you’re currently doing, start doing something every day to work your passion until your passion becomes your work.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
~Harriet Tubman