It’s that time of year again, when many of us consider making major changes to our lives, with resolutions to “Be happier,” “Make a difference in the world,” “Earn more money,” Be a better parent/life partner,” “Get more exercise,” “Lose weight,” and many more. Unfortunately, while many of us resolve to “do something” to improve our lives each year, for most of us, by time February of each new year rolls around, our new goals are forgotten and we find ourselves back in the same rut we had resolved to end.
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to follow through on your New Year’s resolutions this year?
Changing the way you change your life
By now we’re all intimately familiar with the definition of insanity as, “Doing the same thing over and over again, while expecting a different result.” While the use of the word “insanity” is no longer appropriate in the world of mental health professionals, the formula described in the above quotation can certainly be used as a prescription for failure when it comes to a New Year’s resolution.
With this in mind, it’s time to begin changing the way you think about making changes in your life; about the processes and procedures you employ for making changes, as well as your expectations for success.
Wow, that sounds an awful lot like a scientific approach to making those changes, doesn’t it? Well good, because it is!
In my article, Tips to Find a Job and Career That You Love, I outline the basics of this scientific approach to making a career change and finding happiness in your job. The beauty of this approach is that it works for more than merely finding a new career, the scientific approach to changing your life can be applied to all aspects of your life.
From the article, the first steps are:
- Think in possibilities: Focus on what is possible, rather than limitations.
- Have a vision: Let your vision form and see where it takes you.
- Move forward: Taking small steps like talking to others or engaging in a class can bring forth momentum.
When you think about making changes in terms of what is possible, you set yourself free from unrealistic expectations; for example, a mother of three children will rarely be able to possess the body of a 19 year old fashion model, regardless of the number of hours she spends in the gym. Being realistic is the first step to making successful changes in your life.
The vision you see for the future will become your inspiration for change, rather than adopting the vision or unrealistic expectations of someone else. When you apply your understanding of what is possible to your visionary goal, you will be able to construct a realistic path toward reaching it.
Since all action begins with taking that first step, you must have the courage to move toward your vision for change. The good news is, that first step will rarely take you over a cliff, so you can be confident, and comfortable, in taking it.
If you’re looking for help with following through with your resolutions this year, my audio series, The Success Formula for Change, created with Lynn Strigh, reinforces this scientific approach and may be exactly what you’re looking for.
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