Make a change
We all reach a point in our lives where we want to make changes. For most of us it is not possible for a complete overhaul, and whilst there is no such thing as a perfect life, there are small changes you can make to help you improve your life daily.
No one can tell you how to live your life and you are the only one that can create the life you want.
*Identify what you want to change in your life. Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit, said to identify your Keystone Habit. This is the most important habit you want to change about your life. When you want to find out what that habit is, ask yourself, "What constantly gnaws at me?" Is it maybe something that you do not want to do anymore, change of career, relationship? Always focus on one change at a time, would you have multiple changes you want to make.
*Identify things that may hold you back. Identify habits, people and thought patterns that can hold you back.
*Learn to embrace discomfort. As creatures of habit our whole being loves to live in routine and the slightest inkling of change makes us feel uncomfortable. In the process of change we have to concentrate on what we can gain from this change and not what we are leaving behind or can lose.
*Imagine that your life is already how you want it to be. If you start doing that, things will inevitably move in that direction. Where attention goes, energy flows.
*Place your energy and attention on the experiences that make you happy and do more of them. Let go of the experiences that leaves you numb and flat.
*This is a good time to start setting goals. Positive thinking works wonders. Set your goals and imagine that you have already achieved them. It is a great way to visualise yourself in the life you really want, and this will allow you to embrace it easier when it does happen.
*Continuing from the previous point - Set a SMART goal. A SMART goal is,
Specific - Define your goal clearly.
Measurable - Measurable goals can be tracked. Allowing you to see your progress.
Achievable - Are you able to take action to achieve this goal? Is it in your power to accomplish it?
Relevant - The goals should align with your values and long-term objectives.
Time-bound - Set a realistic end date for task prioritisation and motivation.
*One of our biggest hurdles in life is living in the past. Forget about the past, it belongs behind us. Dwelling on the past can hamper us from stepping into the new life we desire, as we might be anxious of repeating old mistakes.
*Never bother yourself of what others might think of you. You really have to focus on yourself and be prepared, that on this journey you will lose people along the way, but you will always meet new people that you will take with you into your new life.
*Maybe one of the most important steps, but also the hardest, is letting go of fear. Fear will only hold you back from reaching your dreams. Laura Berman Fortgang, life coach and author of Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction, said if you ever feel frightened of all the changes you are making, try to have an anchor to remind you of your goals and why you are doing this. It can be a person you can talk to, a mission statement, or an object. Return to this anchor to help keep you focused on your goals and why you want to better your life.
Remember - It is never too late to make a change and you are never too old to make that change. Be kind to yourself as you change yourself and your life.
