RazzWorks

So you’re ready for change. You want to make an improvement in your life. You are determined to get your life on a new path. Awesome, glad to hear it. I know you can do it! Now that you are ready for change, I’m going to provide you with some tips to help you along the way.

At some point in a person’s life, there is a time when serious thought is given to improving things. For some, they want to quit bad habits like smoking, drinking, over-eating, spending too much, getting angry too easily, etc. Others decided to improve themselves by starting a new routine like exercise, eating healthier, saving or investing money, helping others by volunteering, and this list could go on forever.

The main point is everyone, at one time or another, is ready for change. They (whoever they are) say it takes 21 days to start a new habit, or for a new idea to stick in the brain. Whether it’s true or not does not matter. The key thing is whatever you desire to do, give it a minimum of 21 days. Any improvement that is going to stick is going to take time and patience. So here are a few tips to help you increase the odds of success in your favor.

One – Know your Purpose.

It’s awesome that you are ready for change. Before you go ahead with it, stop and think for a moment. Why are you doing this? What is your purpose?

You want to stop and make sure you’re doing it for the right reason. More importantly for the right person. That person better be YOU! If you want it to be a success and to be permanent then you must not do it for anyone other than yourself.

Especially if you’re quitting a bad habit. Make sure you are attempting this endeavor because you want it for yourself and not just because someone else wants you to.

Two – Have a Positive Reason for the Change.

Whatever goal you’re working on, make sure it’s a positive one. It doesn’t matter if it’s a habit, routine, skill, or whatever. If you make it a positive change then your chances of creating this new behavior will be easier.

If it’s something enjoyable it will give you the power to push forward when it begins to become difficult. It’s easier to add a good habit than it is to get rid of a bad one. So try and figure out how to add a positive one.

If for some reason you can not come up with a way to put a positive spin on it then at least try substituting, switching, or replacing the negative habit. That way you can at least add a positive one while working at it.

Three – Have Positive Self-talks.

Keep it positive. For instance, when you tell yourself you’re ready for change add to it that you’re going to make it happen. Sometimes you’ll need to adjust your words a little to make them stronger.

For example instead of saying you need to lose weight, or have to go workout try something like; if I’m going to maintain a healthier body I’m going to keep working on my meal plans/muscles/stamina/healthy, etc.

It changes the thought process of having to do or get something (your mind dreading or not looking forward to it), to wanting to keep something (your mind doesn’t want to lose something it considers good).

So basically, whatever you’re working on take into consideration the types of words you’re going to use. Your brain believes whatever you tell it so phrase your words as if you have already succeeded.

Four – Paint Positive Mental Imagery.

Ok, now what you want to do is picture in your mind the success of your future. When you paint a picture in your head, your brain does not know if it’s the past, present, or future so you can provide yourself with positive imagery. Make it as detailed and specific as you can.

It’s easy. Say you are quitting a bad habit or picking up a good habit. Picture in your mind you are with your friends and someone hands you a smoke, beer, an unhealthy treat. Imagine you put your hand up and say nahhhh I’m good, then you take a swig of water from a water bottle, while at the same time you catch a reflection of yourself from a window and you’re trim and fit. You think to yourself wow I look good. Your brain thinks it’s really happening.

If it’s a skill you’re learning, picture in your mind that you are doing it perfectly and with ease. This will also help your brain to feel better, which will give you the motivation to achieve the desired result.

Five – Rinse and Repeat.

Being ready for change isn’t enough, you have to practice. Like any skill, habit, routine, or ability you have to do it over and over and over until it becomes a part of you.

So every day you need to remember why you’re working so hard on this. You have to continually remember your goal. Keep working on your self-talk all the time. Truly believe the future is yours for the taking.

I know you are ready for change now so go and grab it for yourself! Don’t stop trying, even if you stumble. Get back up and work at it again. You’ve got this!

Razz