The Key to Successful Change

Imagine putting a puzzle together while talking on the phone, typing an email, and reading a book. How well do you think you could perform any of these tasks?

While we're definitely capable of multi tasking in some cases, who wouldn't agree that the quality of our work is much higher when we're able to focus on one thing at a time.

The same is true about making positive changes in our lives. The idea of living a better life is so exciting to us that we end up trying to make too many changes at once. However, if we want positive results, we have to take a realistic approach.

Changing One Step at a Time

With something as important as a higher quality of life and your own personal improvement as your goal, you want to make sure that you're not sabotaging your success.

The first thing to realize is that, change takes time. If you can't accept that, then you're going to give up too easily. The second thing you need to know is that you'll progress much quicker if you narrow your focus.

Begin to simplify by writing down every area of your life that you want to change. After you've done that choose the five things you want to change the most. When you have five, continue narrowing it down until you're left with the number one thing you want to change. To make deciding a little easier, ask yourself, "If I could change only one thing for the rest of my life what would it be?"

After you've decided what you're going to focus on, write down some steps you can take right now to begin making changes in that area. Set attainable goals for yourself. Keep a journal of your progress. When you notice even the smallest sign that things are changing, celebrate. You might consider making some affirmations based on the change you want to see.

Some Reminders

While you are going through this transitioning stage it is vital that you be gentle with yourself. When you make mistakes, don't criticize yourself; this is one sure way to hinder your progress.

In "My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey" Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor spoke of some things she needed, to assist her in her recovery. One of the things she mentioned on page 117 was, "For a successful recovery, it was important that we focus on my ability, not my disability." Whereas she was speaking of recovering from a massive stroke, her insight here is important for everyone who seeks to make progress in their lives for any reason.

Never focus on your "dis-abilities," what you can not do or didn't do right. Always focus on what you can do, on your abilities, and celebrate them.