Unfortunately change in our minds or habits seldom comes naturally or spontaneously. Successful, life-long change comes as a result of careful planning and commitment to goals. Fortunately there are a number of questions to ask which can help you to formulate a change plan.
How will you free up time and energy to focus on the change process?
Life changes always require time and energy to complete, and in a world of competing priorities, it is important to decide what is most important. Try prioritising what it is that you want from life and try to gauge just how committed you are to those goals.
Sometimes it is difficult to see where your time goes, so try keeping a diary of your daily activities; cut out tasks which waste your time and effort, dragging you away from your goals. If you find yourself lacking energy to reach goals, try arranging your schedule to allow for more sleep, it will be a worthwhile use of time in the long run!
What will the changes mean?
Don’t forget to take the time to consider just what life changes will mean to you personally. Life changes always require sacrifices of some kind. How will your life look? Try to picture the differences in your life after making the changes against where you are now. Use this image to keep your motivation levels up.
Who can help you?
Change is often a personal process with personal benefits, but often others can still help us achieve our goals. If you have a number of tasks to complete, try finding someone who can hold you accountable to your own success. You can also learn from the experiences of others; try to network with experienced people from whom you can learn, hopefully bypassing their mistakes in the process.
Other people may have access to resources or tools which can help you.
People know people, so invest time and effort in meeting and building relationships with others who may be able to resource or assist you.
What is the wider impact?
Some of our changes will also have consequences for those around us. Who else do you need to consider in your plans? Will those people also have to face changes in their circumstances or situations? Think carefully about the other people in your life and make them aware of what to expect. Try and get them on board with your vision and they may become your strongest supporters, helping encourage you along the way.
What Now?
Get started on your change plan right now using the following guide:
1. Note down everything that may get in the way of your change.
2. Note down how you will combat these threats to change.
3. Draw up a calendar or schedule of important tasks and milestones in your change process so you can track progress.
4. Note down people who may be able to help you. Get in contact with them as soon as possible.
5. Get your friends and family on board. Tell them what you are trying to achieve and enlist their support.
Armed with this skeleton plan, you are now well on your way to making those all- important life changes. Go for it!