Alignment is an interesting term currently heard often in media. Formerly a mechanical term used to reference wheels and steering. Somewhat less common was in reference to allegiance with a political party. In this post, alignment uses the active term: to align, and pairs it with values, intention, goal setting, or character traits.
The term alignment can be extremely useful in its simple application in your life. There is a lot of power that can come from utilizing the practical and conceptual idea of alignment.
To give a financial example, following up from last week: let’s look at an expense. So, there is an opportunity to purchase something that you need or want. You are out window shopping or grocery shopping, and you notice that this thing you have been sort of looking for, its been on your radar-but not a priority, pops up and it is a brand that is desirable and a price that is not that unreasonable. Let’s imagine it is shoes. But at the same time, you need to purchase whatever it was you came for, say groceries. And suddenly you have to choose between a weeks worth of groceries or the shoes.
Typically your response may be to think to yourself: “I can’t afford them”. When you are using the tool of alignment however, there is no “can’t”. You consider your options: what do I need more, can I afford both, is there a better time or brand that would more strategically fit my budget and priorities. Some days, the shoes are in fact the right choice and if it was in alignment, somehow the groceries or meal invites occur right after the purchase in a strange coincidental way.
Alternatively the shoes do not get bought, and the following week your friend gives you a pair, or they go on sale, or a better brand shows up at the same price and you have the extra money that day. Alignment simply means “to get in line with” your beliefs or your priorities, your “aspirational” character traits or values.
If you aspire to be in integrity in your life: walk your talk, then the purchase needs to represent that integrity. If you aspire to have more “ease” in your life as a belief about how life should occur for yourself, alignment appears as choices that become easier. Sometimes considered a mindset shift or paradigm shift, using alignment in your decision making will simplify your life, allow you to stay focused on the bigger picture, your purpose and your goals.
My coaching programs use this principle as a key tool to encourage clients to achieve their goals and get clarity. Alignment as a habit replaces the habit of “I can’t afford it” with “another day”, or “when it’s right” or “something better is coming”. If this conversation seems interesting to you, try your first complementary session: text 6049896699.
Sending you so much gratitude for reading my blog!
Maria
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