Episode 59 - Five tips for lasting change.

The Soft Skills Guy

We hear the term change all the time, but if you were to get 10 of your friends together and ask them how they feel about change, you would probably hear 10 different versions on how difficult change can be. Some people go to great lengths to avoid having to change. They'd rather keep things status quo than take a risk, and feel discomfort, as they embark on doing things differently.

So today, listen along as Damien provides you with support and encouragement particularly if you’re feeling like you’re slipping off the wagon of the change you were wanting to implement this year.

The first ingredient you need in making lasting change is a strong belief that your life will benefit from this change. You must hold the firm conviction that the change is going to be a positive improvement that will enrich your life. If you are only half convinced you want to change, you won't make any real progress – it’s just not going to happen. Your creative subconscious will do everything it can to return you to where you believe you belong. If the benefit isn't clear, you will find yourself lacking the motivation you need to change.

Next, you must believe you have the talent and ability to successfully make the change. If you are unable to believe in your own abilities, you will probably not be able to bring about that change either. A strong belief in yourself is imperative on your journey of personal change.

Once you've decided on the changes you want to embrace, surround yourself with people who are supportive of your changes, and who exhibit the characteristics you want to adopt. Enthusiasm is contagious, and keeps you motivated to overcome the challenges you might face on your road to change. Having a supportive and energized network around you will make your journey easier.

If you really want to make personal changes, you must create an action plan, and hold yourself accountable. It's not enough to say "I need to change this," or "I want to adopt that behavior." Without an action plan, these intentions will not get you anywhere. Intentions do not create any change in the status quo of your life or situation. Create a list of actions you will take, give yourself a deadline, and write down the benefits you will experience from your changes.

And finally, this one is really important and will become your favourite reason to change. You must remember to celebrate your successful changes. Nothing feels quite as rewarding as setting a goal for yourself, and achieving it.