What Can You Change this Year!

Change brings growth. Yes, I agree, there is nothing like an old friend, old time movie or laughs about yesterday but change produces growth and keeps us alive!  So often we are stuck in our ways because we feel we cannot change (are afraid to change) or we don’t want to change. Change feels uncomfortable and creates stress.

When I work with a client about behavior change we acknowledge how hard it is to change and that it takes time, energy and planning. Habits form and the repetition feels comfortable so why change? Many of us become resistant to change and fight it at all costs. Actually, change can be liberating and produce new growth in your life.

Here are some tips on creating healthy change.

Select an area to change in your life – for example- Bring a healthy lunch to work 4 days a week. This is your overall goal and stating your goal can help you to CLARIFY what you want.

Once the goal is stated (and written down) focus on the goal and set up an action plan. The action steps alone will help you to FOCUS. The action steps for this goal include healthy grocery shopping a few times a week, planning your lunches and actually making them everyday to bring to work. Yes, you can see the planning and time involved.

Now reap the benefits of the result since the payoff is huge: healthy meals for lunch 4 days a week, less money spent on buying lunches and overall improved health in the long-term.

For 2013 I challenge you to create change. Start small with something simple like a new hairdo, re-arrangement of furniture in a room at home, a new workout routine or a new venue for date night. Then move on to something bigger like changing your work routine or health habits. Embrace change since it leads to personal growth and energizes our lives!