by: Miami Phillips
How many times in the past have you tried to change something about you?
Have you read an article discussing the benefits of time management and made a promise to your Self to follow the steps? Or, maybe the last seminar or teleclass you attended had some great ideas for changing your financial standing. Writing a book? Losing some weight? Self improvement?
How far did you get?
Don't worry, you are not alone. Most of us at one point or another decide to do something for ourselves or someone else. We have the best intentions in mind. We might even make some changes towards our goals, and go so far as to take some action steps. Have you ever bought an exercise machine? Yes, me too.
What happens to us? Why is it so hard to make these changes? There are several reasons.
The first and hardest challenge is our old friend the ego. Our ego is completely happy right where it is. Furthermore our ego absolutely hates changes and will go to great lengths to convince you that change is the worst idea you ever had. In fact, your ego will actually fabricate fear and pain in order to keep the status quo!
We have all heard it takes 21 days to create a new habit. We could change the statement to: it takes 21 days to break our ego of its old habits!
Another challenge is our network of friends and family. They don't want us to change either. If you change, they have to change as well. Since they know you as you are, if you change to something new they will have to adapt to the new you. Now your friends and families' egos are all up in arms too!
So how do we change?
1. Find a group to help you. Get some new friends who think like you. Find someone you know who is already doing what you are doing.
2. Plan your change carefully. If you have a plan to follow, it is much simpler to keep to your path. Blindly stumbling around attempting to make changes allows your ego way too many chances to throw blocks in your road.
3. Use a calendar to track your progress, and to make your plan. Review and celebrate your accomplishments as you reach them. We tend not to look back at where we have been. You will need the encouragement as you reward your Self. Review your calendar daily to remind you of your steps to come.
Make room in your schedule and do these crucial-to-your-future tasks first!.
Here is the last thing to remember about change. It is sometimes better to change gradually than all at once. If you hold a vision of what you want the changes to look like, set a plan to get there, and take action on a regular basis, one day you will realize you are living your vision.
Of course by then, you will have another, different, and better vision.
Your Coach and online friend,
Miami
Miami Phillips
Helping others find their path - and stay on it. www.creativemasterminds.com
Quotation of the Week "Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change."— Confucius