5 STEPS TO CHANGE

5 SIMPLE STEPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR HABITS AND EMBRACE POSITIVE CHANGE

These steps can be applied to any habit or behaviour, but clearly the “bad” habits are the ones we want to change because those are the ones causing us to suffer.

Habits play a significant role in shaping our lives, and while it's essential to maintain good habits, it's equally important to address and transform the ones that hinder our growth. Here are five simple and effective steps that can help you break free from negative patterns and embrace positive change.

Step 1: Cultivate SELF-AWARENESS

To initiate any change, it's crucial to be aware of the habits that hold you back. Many of our behaviours are driven by unconscious patterns. By practicing self-awareness, we gain the ability to transform. Reflect on your actions, thoughts, and emotions, and observe the destructive patterns you wish to change. Self-awareness is the foundation upon which the following steps rely !

Step 2: ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Awareness is one thing, denial is another. It’s possible to be aware of bad habits and still deny that you have them. That’s why acknowledgement is necessary. It doesn’t mean you have to go on social media and confess to the world, it simply means, acknowledge that what you are doing is destructive for you. This could be anything. From alcohol, drugs, overwork, a bad temper, a tendency towards violence or complacency or anything in between. Take time every day to acknowledge, without judgment, that these habits are destructive to your well-being. Define them as clearly as you can. You can write them down, record a voice note, or simply contemplate in your mind. By doing so, you send a clear message to your subconscious that change is necessary in these areas of your life.

Step 3: Take RESPONSIBILITY

It's tempting to place blame on external factors or circumstances for our circumstances. However, true empowerment lies in taking responsibility for your own actions. While external influences may have shaped your past, you have the power to shape your present and future. Look within and accept that the ability to change resides within you. Stand before the mirror, both literally and metaphorically, and affirm your willingness to take responsibility for your transformation. This can be difficult because we often want to blame others. We want to cast our bad habits “out there”. But this isn’t helpful because it takes power away from you and places it “out there” when the power is actually “in here”. Yes, we may have been hard done by society, or parents, or partners. But that’s the past. What about now? This step means that you give yourself the ability to respond in a new and empowering way.

Step 4: Harness the Power of INTENTION

Transforming habits demands dedication and hard work. It often requires confronting aspects of ourselves that we may not like. Genuine change necessitates courage and vulnerability. Embrace the energy of intention, which says, "Enough is enough! I am committed to doing whatever it takes to bring about change." Intention fuels your journey and serves as a reminder of your determination to break free from destructive habits. You have to be willing to change in order to do the hard work that it takes. Often, we have to face things in ourselves that we don’t like. Actually, the really big changes almost always involve admitting something we don’t want to admit – like the fear, or the bad temper, or the meanness, or the laziness that we might be exhibiting. Intention is the energy that fuels action.

Step 5: Activate Through ACTION

The previous 4 steps lay the groundwork, but without action, change is impossible. Taking action is the most important and also the most challenging step. Many of us stumble here due to procrastination or fear of failure. Remember that knowing what needs to change is not enough; we must act upon it. Avoid the trap of delaying change for another day, week, or year. Embrace the momentum of transformation by taking decisive steps forward. Act now!

Transforming your habits is a powerful journey of self-discovery and growth. By following the five steps—AWARENESS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, RESPONSIBILITY, INTENTION, and ACTION—you can break free from the grip of destructive habits and create a more fulfilling life. Change is not always easy, but it’s most definitely possible.

Good luck !

? Steve Tsakiris