Positive Changes - Do It Step by Step
What are the most common reasons that people want to change in their lives? If you feel you need to make some changes to your life, it's often a good idea to introduce the changes step by step.
Trying to do too much too soon will often result in disappointment and frustration as it can typically take around a month to break a habit.
What are the most common reasons that people want to change in their lives? Health matters - undoubtedly this is the biggest, and it covers everything from stopping smoking, losing weight, blood pressure concerns and specific problems such as diabetes etc.
Social issues - for example, lack of confidence, anxiety, aggression etc.
Relationships - issues with partners, children, parents, friends or co-workers.
Making positive changes to your health.
Whether it's quitting smoking or a combination of health issues, you should ensure that you break any bad habits slowly but surely.
Let's say that your routine (because that's what habits are - routines) is to smoke 10 cigarettes a day or eat nonessential snacks between meals.
In the case of smoking, write down a list of when you smoke in order of your favorite time, to least favorite.
Then cut out the one at the bottom of the list so it's down to 9 a day, and so on.
You can use the same method for chocolate, donuts etc.
This system does work, but as with everything else, it requires will power.
Social changes.
If you need to make positive changes to your state of mind, you should introduce subtle changes that may make all the difference.
Don't be too hasty, but give yourself certain challenges that will test if you have been successful in your changes.
Let's say that you suffer panic attacks in the theatre.
Instead of avoiding the situation which is the easy, but unsuccessful route, tackle the problem head on.
Book a ticket, and go on your own so if there's a problem, you don't need to explain yourself.
Sit at the end of the row - you can always beat a hasty retreat if it's not working out.
Then step up the challenge - go with friends, but still sit at the end.
Be honest with them - tell them your problem but don't over analyize it.
This technique can be adapted to a whole lot of problems.
Improve your relationships.
By making a commitment to change in a positive way, you can change your world.
Don't expect others to change - they won't.
But if you are determined, you can easily change for the better.
Try to be tolerant of people, the world is full of an infinite variety of characters.
What would it be like if we all agreed with each other all the time? By examining your own flaws, and addressing them, you can enjoy better relationships with everyone.
Just don't try to change your whole character - that's what makes you unique - but just be critical of yourself and ask if you could make small changes to your personality.
For example, if you yell at other drivers, make a pledge not to.
Or if you don't talk to your partner after work, start a conversation.
It really is that easy.
Trying to do too much too soon will often result in disappointment and frustration as it can typically take around a month to break a habit.
What are the most common reasons that people want to change in their lives? Health matters - undoubtedly this is the biggest, and it covers everything from stopping smoking, losing weight, blood pressure concerns and specific problems such as diabetes etc.
Social issues - for example, lack of confidence, anxiety, aggression etc.
Relationships - issues with partners, children, parents, friends or co-workers.
Making positive changes to your health.
Whether it's quitting smoking or a combination of health issues, you should ensure that you break any bad habits slowly but surely.
Let's say that your routine (because that's what habits are - routines) is to smoke 10 cigarettes a day or eat nonessential snacks between meals.
In the case of smoking, write down a list of when you smoke in order of your favorite time, to least favorite.
Then cut out the one at the bottom of the list so it's down to 9 a day, and so on.
You can use the same method for chocolate, donuts etc.
This system does work, but as with everything else, it requires will power.
Social changes.
If you need to make positive changes to your state of mind, you should introduce subtle changes that may make all the difference.
Don't be too hasty, but give yourself certain challenges that will test if you have been successful in your changes.
Let's say that you suffer panic attacks in the theatre.
Instead of avoiding the situation which is the easy, but unsuccessful route, tackle the problem head on.
Book a ticket, and go on your own so if there's a problem, you don't need to explain yourself.
Sit at the end of the row - you can always beat a hasty retreat if it's not working out.
Then step up the challenge - go with friends, but still sit at the end.
Be honest with them - tell them your problem but don't over analyize it.
This technique can be adapted to a whole lot of problems.
Improve your relationships.
By making a commitment to change in a positive way, you can change your world.
Don't expect others to change - they won't.
But if you are determined, you can easily change for the better.
Try to be tolerant of people, the world is full of an infinite variety of characters.
What would it be like if we all agreed with each other all the time? By examining your own flaws, and addressing them, you can enjoy better relationships with everyone.
Just don't try to change your whole character - that's what makes you unique - but just be critical of yourself and ask if you could make small changes to your personality.
For example, if you yell at other drivers, make a pledge not to.
Or if you don't talk to your partner after work, start a conversation.
It really is that easy.
