When you think about how hard it is to make changes in your life,
you're tempted to give up before you even start. It's easier to coast
through a good enough life. Everywhere you look, another person or
situation trying to convince you a mediocre life is perfectly fine. In
one of her songs, Taylor Swift says, "People throw rocks at things that
shine." Marianne Williamson is famous for saying, "Our deepest fear is
not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful
beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens
us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented,
fabulous?" Society has conditioned us against stepping out and claiming
the kind of life we want to live. Life is short and time can never be
recovered. Each moment is precious and should be lived to the fullest.
Here are five ways to create lasting change that leads to an amazing
life.
Inner Work
Start with the inner work. Real change starts within each of us.
There are struggles and self-limiting beliefs that we have to battle
before we can move forward. Take some time for a self-examination of
where you are and where you want to be. Address that little voice in
your head that gets uncomfortable at the thought of stepping outside of
your comfort zone.
Be Honest
Be honest with yourself. For the inner work to manifest, it starts
with honesty. It's too easy to lie -- especially to ourselves. Real
change starts with getting honest about the things that have held you
back in the past, and what scares you about the future. Change lasts
when you get honest and stay honest. You will have setbacks, and the
honesty helps you keep from covering up what will help you.
One Step at a Time
Focus on one step at a time. When you look at the big picture, it's
easy to get discouraged at everything that needs to happen to create
change. If you want to lose 50 pounds, it seems daunting. If you want to
leave a job you hate, you get 100 thoughts of all that needs to happen.
The best way to approach lasting change is to focus on your next steps.
Don't look at the big pictures. Instead, break this down into bite size
goals that you work on every day.
Create Good Habits
Form habits. Lasting change is most successful when you focus on
creating habits. Habits are making lifestyle shifts versus quick wins.
You incorporate the changes you want to make into your daily routine.
You focus on changing how you think about the things you want to change,
which affects the actions you take.
Say Accountable
Say accountable. Having support in your life can be the difference
between success and failure. As much as we want to try this alone,
having someone to get honest with you or hold your hand when you
stumble, is crucial. It can be family, friends, or a support group, but
stay accountable to avoid giving into excuses. I realize this is all
easier said than done, but I hope you realize how important this is. The
death of my father and grandfather were my wake up call. They were the
catalyst to shake me out of a 12-year period in my life that could best
be described as existing. Today, I'm truly living and loving life.
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