Change is hard and could be intimidating, yet change is inevitable while aiming for a fulfilling life and achieving your goals.
What can you change in your life and career?
You can change “yourself” or everything but yourself. Have you known friends who complain about their jobs? Some of them do nothing, continue to endure their dissatisfaction, whine along as days go by, and hope something will miraculously change. Some act, change jobs and move forward on their own terms. And some alter their attitude and try to find new ways to re-engage. Whether you need to change yourself or something else depends on the situation, but knowing what is important to you and making a thoughtful change choice is where the change starts.
When to make a change?
I heard so many people say, “I will make a change when… things slow down, when I have more time, when I have more money when I am not as busy…” Sound familiar? Things may not slow down, and there’s a really good chance that tomorrow is going to be just as crazy as today in life. The right answer is: don’t wait; change NOW.
What does it take to have real changes?
Below are my thoughts on making meaningful and long-lasting changes:
Awareness:
Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Self-knowing-and-awareness is the first and main ingredients in leading the life you want. Nothing will happen if you are not aware of the need to change. Research suggests that when you know and see yourselves clearly, you are more confident, make sounder decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively. It also helps align your behavior with your value for the needed change. Identifying the what and why around the change is definitely your first step.
Inner desire or motivation:
Do you often make the change when someone suggests so? Rarely, I bet. True change happens when it comes from within, and that inner motivation will light a fire in you to move the mountains you face. It will also serve as a vital resource for you to adapt, stay focused, and maintain well-being while you take on the changes in your personal or professional life.
Plan and set goals:
Having a clear, specific and executable plan is a crucial step toward your successful change. Define the change you want to make and set SMART goals – be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely!
Find support, your accountability partner:
The change could be daunting and long-lasting; therefore, having accountability is vital to sustaining long-term success. It’s not only about taking ownership and having responsibility for your action and desired outcome but also being accountable for what you can control. Find people who believe, support, cheer you on, and celebrate each achievement along the way.
Give grace and pick yourself up:
There’s no guarantee for a smooth ride in life, especially while you are making changes in life. Learn to embrace discomfort and set back as you move forward, and remember you will experience setbacks. Don’t get stuck there; get up, shake it off, and keep going.
Do it:
Having the best blueprint of a house in hand is not the same as living in and enjoying a beautiful home. Be sure to take consistent actions and effort day in and day out, and celebrate your achievements with your accountability partner!
Change takes time, but do the things that will change your life. If you are going through changes in life and believe coaching can help, be sure to reach out to me, a certified life/career coach. Let me support you through your life transition journey.
