5 Ways To Make Changes Stick

We all want to have more money, eat better, stress less, exercise more, and be happier—the list goes on and on. But few of us actually put in the work to make these lasting changes.

We may start strong but quickly lose motivation and return to our old ways. I get it: change is hard, especially when we have thoughts and fears that hold us back from achieving what we want in life.

So, how can you stop being fearful and start living your best life? Why not start by reading my top five ways to make lasting changes in your life. Then, make a deliberate choice to begin each day with a hopeful heart.

It’s believed that it takes around 30 days to create healthy habits, so be patient with yourself and take it one day at a time. Are you ready to get started? Let’s go!

Have a Positive Mindset

Let’s start by saying that the voice in your head means well and all. But it’s time for it to shut up or change to a more upbeat tune.

All that negative self-talk is based on past failures and disappointments. That still's not a good enough reason to let it play a role in what you do next because your inner voice can’t predict the future.

Many studies have been carried out on the value of mindset over information or strategy. So, it’s time to build up your self-esteem and turn those sabotaging negative thoughts into something more optimistic and productive.

Over time, you won’t have to be deliberate about it. Instead, you’ll automatically be able to think positively, thus helping you make lasting changes for the better.

Practice Gratitude

Maybe your love life isn’t as exciting as you’d like. Still, having someone special in your life is a blessing worth counting.

And even though you’re not exactly working your dream job, in this troubled economy, consider yourself lucky that you have a job in the first place. Be grateful for the steady income that pays for the roof over your head and the clothes you wear.

Too often, we take the good things in our life for granted, and we pour all our focus into what we don’t have. One of the best ways to stop and take stock of all the good in your life is to start writing in a gratitude journal.

In the morning, write down one thing you’re thankful for. Then, in the evening, write one good thing that happened to you during the day.

Once you get into the habit of writing each day, you’ll soon notice that the positives far outweigh the negatives in your life. This discovery can help spread that feeling of hope and optimism into other parts of your life, creating the lasting changes you’re looking for.

Learn to Say ‘No’

At work, we’re afraid to say ‘No’ to colleagues when they ask for help on a project. Or turn down the boss when they tell us to come in for the weekend.

We’ll admit it’s hard because you’re ultimately being put in an awkward position. You feel that if you say ‘No,’ you’ll create a hostile work environment, anger your boss, and maybe even get fired!

The problem is that saying ‘Yes’ is much easier and requires little thought. But the only one who suffers is you!

If you want to make lasting changes, this has to stop now. You’re the one in control of your life, which means you’re the one who decides what adds value and meaning to your life and what doesn’t.

So, the next time someone asks you to do something, take a second to think about it before blurting out, ‘Yes.’

Ask yourself, ‘Is this something you want to do? Will it add any benefit to your life?’

If the answer is ‘yes,’ then go for it. However, if the answer is ‘no,’ then you have to turn them down. If you want, you can always give a short explanation as to why you’re unable to help them.

Look for the Meaning

Why do you want to make lasting changes? What is it that you want to get out of life? What are your dreams and goals? What are the things that make you happy?

To answer these questions, you’ll need to make a list of your core values. Then, make another one of the things you want to change in your life.

Do you want to start eating healthier? Exercising more? Those are definitely two great places to start!

How about work? Would you consider taking a class that can give you an edge over your colleagues and maybe even get that promotion?

Then, there are your hobbies and personal interests. What do you like to do for fun? For example, there’s painting, dancing, and playing an instrument. They’re all great ways to let loose and get creative.

All these things combined give your life meaning and help set the direction of how you want your life to turn out. Without meaning, you’ll be left wandering without any purpose or direction.

Create Structure in Your Life

Once you figure out what gives your life meaning, you need to create goals to help achieve whatever purpose you’re living for. Yet, remember, even though goals are good for giving your life structure and direction, they’re subject to changes and alterations.

Say you have a long-term goal of owning a red car. So, you start working hard to save up. But then, something better comes along, and you end up spending the money on something else.

Do you feel bad that you didn’t get the car? Possibly. But that change probably made things better for you in the larger scheme of things.

Remember, it’s the small steps you take each day towards your goals—big or small—that create the momentum you need to make lasting changes in your life.

Be the leader people want to follow.

Richard Grehalva

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