5 Ways to Get What You Yearn for in Life

Getting What You Yearn for in Life

In the last episode, I discussed 5 reasons we are overcommitted and under-involved: how we fill our lives with too much, do too much, and then feel like we need to do more. We talked about holding too tight to things, being stuck in a story, avoiding feelings, and not pointing ourselves in the right direction. Now, I will offer you solutions to get what you yearn for in life.

I’m offering five ways to turn this energy around and get what you yearn for in life. What I’m sharing comes from ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), contemplative practice, and psychological science.

I’m a human alongside you, and I struggle with some of these things. These solutions come from fifteen years of working with clients. I work with high achievers in my practice. When I first started my psychology practice, I worked with many clients who had developed eating disorders, which tend to go hand in hand with high-achieving behaviors.

Today, I work with CEOs, healthcare workers, PhD students, therapists, entrepreneurs, and people who want to play big in many ways but then trip themselves up. They feel like they are spinning their wheels, going nowhere, and not leading the lives they long to live.

Fly Like a Bird

I often use the metaphor of a bird hitting its head against the window when I’m talking about striving because I know you can relate to the feeling of working hard at something you want and then hitting a wall.

To stop repeatedly hitting the wall, we have to learn to use our energy more wisely. That’s what wise effort is about. I’m going to give you five ways you can do that today.

Listen and Learn 5 Ways to Get What You Yearn for in Life

Step 1: Identify Your Unique Strengths
Step 2: Direct Your Energy with Values
Step 3: Open to Feelings
Step 4: Question Your Thoughts
Step 5: Open Up to Our Sense of Self

Listen as I emphasize the importance of directing your efforts wisely to avoid burnout and get what you yearn for.

About Dr. Diana Hill

Diana Hill, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Host of the podcast Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, The ACT Daily Journal, and the upcoming book Wise Effort, Diana works with organizations and individuals to develop psychological flexibility so that they can grow fulfilling and impactful lives. She has been featured in NPR, the Wall Street Journal, Woman’s Day, Real Simple Magazine, Mindful Magazine, and numerous other media channels. Go to drdianahill.com or her channels on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@drdianahill) to learn more.