are reading this and now you know that change can be easy. By the way, you have already experienced it for yourself at some point in your life, even if you didn't realize it.
Let's walk through the three parts of making change easier:
CLARITY
Without a clear goal in mind, change is considerably harder. Professional athletes would tell you the same thing; you must know your goal. First, identify WHY you want to change, then consider what results you are seeking. When you are internally motivated with a burning desire, change is child's play.
However, if you've decided to change because you think you "should" according to what other people think, change can be very difficult. The key to getting crystal-clear on your goal is to ask yourself (and only yourself): what does 'Success' look and feel like for you and your unique situation? It should also be something defined enough so you know when you've achieved success. Example, "I want more money" is not detailed enough. What will you do with the money? "Pay off debt and buy something nice for my loved ones, and go on a family vacation." OK, now we can acknowledge that THOSE are the goals. The next step may be brainstorming ways to do all three of those things (without winning the lottery), i.e. ways to save money and make money, as well as putting in place a plan to accomplish those 3 goals. Then the fire of desire is built and it just needs stoking from time to time...
ATTITUDE
You know that saying about Inspiration and Perspiration (99% and 1%)? While some work is necessary to make changes, the vast majority of your success depends on your inspiration, or its kissing cousin "Attitude." This is the mental component, that most people neglect without realizing that it is the critical component, of the formula that allows making change easier. What do you do when life hands you lemons? "Make lemonade!" may sound cheesy, but it's a popular saying because it's grounded in truth. The trick in any difficult moment is to gain perspective. When you feel like things are tough and that change is hard, you only need remind yourself that everything is relative. Sure, things can always be better, but things can always be worse too! It is often easier to imagine how things could be worse and to play the "what if" game which slowly but surely leads down the path to things getting worse. On the flip side, you can strengthen your innate imagination and cultivate your attitude skills to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Specifically, practice the positive "what if" game: instead of imagining the worst case scenario, get in the habit of imagining the best-case scenario. ie, "What if all the prospects I've met with this week sign a contract and pay in full? What if I have my best revenue month ever? What if I actually surpass my stretch goal this quarter? What if..." You get the idea. Have some fun with this! It's not all a bunch of bunk; research has proven in many ways that regardless of whether you are creating new pathways in the brain through these exercises, identifying creative solutions, or simply having a good time, the benefits FAR outweigh any negatives. Plus, it takes less time than getting coffee.
As I mentioned earlier, you've already experienced success with this in your life. Think back to a time when you accomplished something that impressed others. It's likely that you took it for granted that you would achieve the goal; you had faith in yourself and the situation, you expected the best, and you went for it with successful results. Pan back a moment, and acknowledge that others tried to achieve that very same goal and found it difficult. Now you understand the power of attitude in achieving your goals.
Techniques: Consider what's on your hot list currently and take a few minutes each day (5 minutes or less needed!) to practice expecting the best. Every time you find yourself assuming the worst, or getting off track from the "expect the best" attitude, just re-focus and try it again. Do this each day until you make the changes necessary to achieve your goal. One of my favorite client exercises to counter doubt is to list 10 pieces of evidence that prove why you are achieving your goal/making positive changes. Extra credit: use these as daily affirmations (post on your mirror, carry a goal card in your wallet, or say them to yourself while driving). Give these a try. Go ahead, I dare you to prove me wrong.
ACTION
Inspiration without action doesn't get you very far. Doing SOMETHING is a requirement to changing habits, circumstances, and results. There are a few important guidelines I will share here to help you make it easier: 1. Do NOT get hung up on how the results are coming to you. As one of my mentors says, "Keep all the doors and windows open because you don't know where it's coming from!" 2. One of the best ways to make change easier is to replace an old habit with a new habit. Don't leave a vacuum where something else undesirable could accidentally get sucked in; make it intentional. For example, say you decide to replace "should" with "could" in your speech, or replace 1 hour of TV daily with a walk or time with a family member. Decide which new habit helps move you in the direction of your goal(s) and which old habit you want to replace. 3. In addition, take action immediately, as soon as you decide to make a change (within 10 minutes, if not within the minute!). Don't let procrastination creep in and ruin your faith and confidence in your ability to make the change successfully. The very moment you make the decision to change, do something that moves you closer to your goal. It can be anything, small or large, such as a phone call, checking something on the internet, signing up for a class, scheduling an appointment or task, or signing a commitment in front of someone you trust, etc...
You will also benefit from setting up a structure/support system to help you succeed. This could be scheduling a daily/frequent reminder in your calender/task program, leaving yourself a voice-mail (such as with an affirmation from step 2) so that you listen to it every day while going through messages, or finding an accountability partner for a weekly 15 min phone call (make sure it's someone you trust completely, or find a professional coach)
There you have it: 3 components to making change easy so that you can achieve your goals more quickly and easily. Enjoy!
Feel free to let me know what you think at heather@EnvisionSuccessInc.com
Yours,
Heather Legge
Envision Success Inc