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Change is hard, that is a fact. As a naturopath and from my own personal experience, wanting to do something or change something about your health, lifestyle or personal situation is often easier said than done. Take giving up smoking for example. It can often take people 5 or more attempts before they finally kick the habit - but they kept attempting which is my point.

In my clinic, I often find that when people want to change, they set themselves ridiculously tough targets instead of taking small and manageable steps in the right direction. Unrealistic expectations can pave the way for unsuccessful attempts at change. The leap between what is happening now and what you want to happen needs to be a leap that can be sustained. Take exercise as an example. If you start with a 20-minute relaxing walk two days a week, it can easily build up to a one-hour power walk four mornings a week given enough time. Reducing coffee consumption is another excellent example and one I see regularly in the clinic. Going from four cups a day to nil is rarely achieved. However, going from four cups to three cups for one week, then reducing to two cups the week after and then finally to one cup each day is how real change happens.

It is also important to be kind to yourself during times of change and remember that two steps forward and one step back still means that you are moving forward. This is one of the reasons that I now have two mental health practitioners sharing my clinic space. Sometimes certain changes can be very difficult and when guided properly with a trained professional, it can often be achieved.

Choosing to take ownership and making personal change is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.