Change Your Life, One Change at a Time

It’s common to get so overloaded with the things that we want to do differently or change that, instead, we do nothing. Absolutely nothing. Well… maybe we watch Netflix or play video games. So, not nothing. Just nothing that helps us move forward on our journey toward growth and self improvement.?

Rather than create goals where you either succeed or fail in their execution (like running 5 miles, 5 times a week, cutting all carbs, or waking up at 4 am to get more done) I invite you to change your life, one change at a time.

If you genuinely want to make a change to your life, I encourage you to challenge your habits, identify one habit you’d like to change, and create a new habit that replaces the former habit.?

Here are some examples to help you think about what you might want to change:

Morning Misery

• Current approach: you hit the snooze button so many times that you’re running late as it’s time to head out the door each morning. You arrive at the office frazzled and stressed and start the day in a bad mood that you have to recover from.?
• Habit change - from misery to mastery: be intentional in the time you need to wake up so that you don’t start your day behind. Set two alarms - one that will alert you that you’ll be waking up soon; the second for when you will get out of bed. Then, commit.?

Reactive Work Life

• Current approach: each day, you come into the office, check email to see what you’re supposed to be doing, and after responding to a bunch of emails, getting coffee, procrastinating, and trying to decide what you’re going to do first, you finally get to work.?
• Habit change - from reactive to proactive: at the end of each work day, pick three things you’re going to get done the following day. Write them down, in order of completion. Come in the next morning, skim emails to make sure your plan doesn’t need to shift, and get started on your first priority item. You’ll save so much time by starting the day with a plan.??

Daily Numbing Ceremony

• Current approach: it’s easy to get into the habit of having a beer, a cocktail, or a glass of wine after work. Every day. Maybe one glass or pint becomes two. Maybe you then don’t feel like doing things around the house and just want to sit on the couch and do nothing.?
• Habit change - from numbing to engaging: be intentional with your time. Rather than falling into a habit because it’s what you’ve always done, be intentional and create a plan. So, maybe, instead of downing that cocktail, choose to go for a walk, talk to a friend or family member, or even mindfully meditate.?

Studies have shown it takes 66 days to 3 months to create new habits so be patient with yourself. You’re changing your life, one change at a time. While change isn’t easy, it can open up space in your life for less stress and more meaning. Whatever habits you choose to change, I’m happy to support you on your journey of self improvement.

May you have clear vision as you move forward with your eyes open and your heart ready for good things to come your way through new, life-changing habits.?