Elements of Change
The key to achieving more than you currently are, no matter which area of your life or work you are focusing in on now, is change. The old saying rings true: If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you've already got. If you keep eating and exercising the way you currently are, you will weigh the same a year from now. If you continue to sell to the same people on the same schedule, you will make the same amount of money next year. In order to move forward, we must change. As I have worked with people, both in a professional setting and on a personal basis, I have found two things to be true about change. One, it is simple. Two, it is not easy. That is, the concept of change is simple to grasp. People or organizations are quick to say, "Oh, I know we need to change." Simple. But where the problem starts, and why most people and organizations do not change, is because it is not easy to change. But, I believe, if the process is well thought out, and if we have the guts and determination to carry it out, change can happen, and we can move on to more fulfilled lives. With that said, let me give you what I consider the elements of change. Discontentment with your current state. The first step in the process of change is to not want to be where you currently are. You must be discontent with it. If you are overweight, you must say, "I will not accept this anymore." If you are in debt, you must say, "I cannot tolerate this any longer." If you have broken relationships, you must say, "I will not live with this." This is a decision to change and not accept the status-quo. The picture of your preferred outcome. What is it that you want to change to? It absolutely is not enough to say "I need to change." It must be: "I am going to change to..." This becomes the goal. I would encourage you to get a mental picture of it formulated in your mind. Get a real picture of it if it is that tangible. Perhaps write yourself a short essay, extolling the virtues of what life will be like when you get to the changed state. New associations with the two states. You must begin to associate your current state you are in with pain, and the state you want to be in with pleasure. Let's take weight for example. We tend to think of ice cream, mounds of it, with pleasure. I know that I do. Especially chocolate chip mint. Last night we went to some friend's house and we had some ice cream. Normal portions. I don't like to eat normal portions. I like huge portions of ice cream. There is an association of pleasure there. But what I did to overcome the urge to eat scoop after scoop was to associate huge portions to being overweight, not the pleasure of the taste. I also associated not eating the ice cream with feeling better about myself. Then when it comes to exercise, I work on associating the exercise and weight-lifting with the pleasure of fitting into my clothes rather than the pain my muscles feel every time I do it. This help me win the battle of the mind. Develop a plan of short, simple steps. "I am going to lose fifty pounds in two months." "I will sell 500% more next month." These are examples of change that are good goals to have long term, but too big for the time allotted - and this is havoc on change! If your goals are too big in too short of time, you will fail and become discouraged. Then you will quit and decide change can't be accomplished. Instead, you must have short, workable, attainable goals if you are going to see real change happen and stay. "I am going to lose five pounds a month for ten months." "We are going to sell 6% more each month this year (That would double your business each year)" These are the size steps you need to take. Then you will build victory after victory. Discipline yourself. Sorry but this is where it is up to you. At the heart of change is the ability to discipline ourselves. I cannot lose your weight. Your mom cannot go out and make sales calls for you. The only real obstacle standing between your current state and your desired outcome is you! So do everything you can to get yourself motivated to change! Force yourself to get out of bed and get to work on your goals! Discipline yourself. Choose to make the right decision. Reward yourself when you have made the change. That's right: reward yourself. You have worked hard and exerted a lot of self-discipline to get there! You deserve it! About The Author: Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of
Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn
their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and
achieve their dreams. To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on
the subject of Secrets of Influence go to
http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.
Related News
Motivation, Tebow and Percy-cution - GatorCountry.com
Chiefs provide Raiders true motivation to run - Sacramento Bee
Chiefs provide Raiders true motivation to runSacramento Bee, USA -Nov 30, 2008"It gives us a little extra motivation to play for because when you have hard times, it's tough to find that extra motivation. We're playing at home against ... |
OPEC Cuts: A Barrel Of Laughs - Forbes
OPEC Cuts: A Barrel Of LaughsForbes, NY -4 hours ago"The major motivation for sellers is the discounting of the OPEC decision," said Mike Fitzpatrick, vice president of MF Global, in a report, "but motivation... |
Where's the love for Alabama? - Gainesville Sun
Vikings' view from above: exhilarating - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Disease is motivation, not obstacle, for Center Grove senior - Indianapolis Star
Irish Win Record 39th Straight at Home - New York Times
Irish Win Record 39th Straight at HomeNew York Times, United States -23 hours ago“We knew coming into this game that there was something to play for and that gave us a little extra motivation,” said McAlarney, who led the Irish with 32 ... |
Don't let motivation to conserve fall with fuel prices - Bloomington Pantagraph
AU should have plenty of motivation - Times-Journal
Dawgs digging deep to find last-game motivation - Seattle Post Intelligencer
Dawgs digging deep to find last-game motivationSeattle Post Intelligencer -2 hours agoFinding motivation figures to be a challenge for a squad coming off a 16-13 double-overtime loss in its rivalry game. Willingham insisted he won't use his ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Achieving Your Dreams
While most people spend most of their lives struggling to earn a living, a much smaller number seem to have everything going their way. Instead of just earning a living, the smaller group is busily working at building and enjoying a fortune. Everything just seems to work out for them. And here sits the much larger group, wondering how life can be so unfair, so complicated and unjust. What's the major difference between the little group with so much and the larger group with so little?
Just Do It!
If you run a business like I do, you probably have limited time to do all the things you need to do each day. In order to make sure I get to exercise each day, I have to get up BEFORE the chickens do ? between 4:30 AM and 5AM. Every single time I have to tell myself, "Kim, JUST DO IT!" I don't always want to either but I do it.
Is Failure the End of Everything?
"The important thing is to learn a lesson every time you lose." --John McEnroe
Persistence
Persistence will carve you as a leader in your industry. Persistence is where you get mental strength. It seperates you from ordinary people. You must learn to cultivate a habit of persisting, since all things are possible if you persist.
Who Is Stuart Goldsmith?
'Stuart Goldsmith? Who is Stuart Goldsmith?' you may be asking.
Celebrating the Couch Potato
Ah, the couch potato, that icon of American pop culture values. Isn't that the life? Why would anyone want to exert extra energy to be productive when you can simply plop down on the couch in front of the telly and enjoy all that delicious snack food and a cool one. Why worry about a yard that needs mowing, a sink full of dishes or that overflowing garbage can. They will all be there tomorrow or even next week - you can take care of them then, or not.
Define Your Own Future - Shatter The Crystal Ball!
When I decided to look into remote viewing, I had the impression that it had some bizarre metaphysical and psychic associations. But, in reality, remote viewing is a natural and 'taught' method of probing remote locations in the past, present, and future. As I learned and experimented, one of the important things that I discovered is that you cannot accurately predict the future of any person or event. Of course, some would argue this point and I would probably agree that we can 'see' the future. But, what I mean is, the future changes far too rapidly based on our experiences and directions for anyone to be truly accurate.
The 31 Absolute Best Resources for Self Improvement
Every week, I hear from people with the same Self Improvement questions: Where should I go for help? What should I do? Who should I listen to?
Motivation: No Finish LInes
There is a saying that goes something like "getting to the top is easy, the hard thing is staying there once you get there."
Making A Lot Out Of A Little - Use It Or Lose It
"Making a lot out of a little"
Break Free
I received an email the other day from one of our customers. "Please help. I am desperate. My life is a mess. I have read your book, The Initiation. I think it's true what you say, but nothing is working for me."
Stained Glass Windows
Elizabeth Kubler Ross once said, "People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun comes out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is light on from within."
What Does Your Future Hold? Do You Have A Plan? Or Are You Just Waiting To See What Happens?
We often find ourselves in a situation in which we either accept the change that someone else imposes upon us or in which we ourselves effect the change we would like to see happen. We sometimes stammer and hesitate and procrastinate with regard to decision making. Not making a decision is a decision in itself.
Forgotten Your New Years Resolutions Already? How To Get Back On Track
How quickly we forget. We are only a few weeks into the New Year, how many of you have forgotten that you even made any New Year resolutions.
Personal Safety: How To Avoid Accidents And Live A Safe, Longer & Happy Life
Have you ever had an accident?
Quick Steps To Handle Setbacks
Looking for a way to handle a setback?
The Top 10 Ways to Overcome Procrastination
When a person is bored or uninterested, certain tasks and projects can seem like torture! This feeling usually leads to procrastination, and procrastination often leads to guilt. Here are some practical ways to avoid these situations and overcome procrastination:
L-I-V-E-- 12 Steps to Living Your Life
Many of us only inhabit our lives- we do not Live our lives. But, we can.
Are You Travelling Along The Slippery Slope To Your Grave?
When it comes right down to it where ever you go is where you are, whatever you end up doing, that's what you are doing, whatever you are thinking right now, that's what's on your mind, what has happened to you, has already happened.
Who Do You Need To Become To Make It Happen For You?
'We cannot become what we need to be remaining what we are.' -Max Dupree
|
