Want to Create Positive Change in your Life? Try Your Attitude

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Why is a new habit so hard to keep? Because we’re not used to it. But by taking small steps each day and committing to a goal you can make the shift to have the new desired behavior or action become part of your daily life.

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, defines a habit has “the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do).”

You already know you what you need to do to make a positive change; you know how to do it + you absolutely want to do it, but how do you turn it into something so that it becomes a natural part of your daily life?

Here are 4 steps to take that will help you create lasting change.

#1. Establish your goals + set a time frame to achieve them by.

This is where you decide what it is you want to achieve. There’s a lot of danger when we set out to achieve something that while we may have the very best intentions, unless we hold ourselves accountable to a specific, measurable goal, it just becomes like a nice fluffy idea that never eventuates. This is why we need to have very clear goals that are bound by a time frame for when we need to achieve them by. For example, you may want to start exercising more, which is a great intention, but turning that into a goal would look more like: I will exercise 3 times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays + Wednesdays, starting tomorrow.

#2. Schedule your goals.

Until you schedule your goals so they become part of your daily life then they’re still always going to be that nice fluffy idea. When you schedule your goals in your calendar, you’re holding yourself accountable which means you’ll be much more inclined to do stick to them. Make a date with yourself to work out or to cook a healthy meal, pack your lunch – whatever it may be. Unless you make your goals tangible activities then you’ll forever be promising yourself you’ll ‘do it tomorrow’.

#3. Create your habit environment.

OK, so now you know what your goals are and they’re scheduled but you still find yourself slipping up; it could be your environment that’s holding you back. To be successful in achieving what you set out to, you need to ensure that everything in your environment is supporting to help you get where you need to be. This includes surrounding yourself with the right people who will only lift you higher and will inspire you to make positive choices. Other things you can do include making yourself reminders, bookmarking blogs and websites that inspire you, and removing anything in your home or work environments that is likely trip you up.

#4. Be consistent in your approach.

Consistency, consistency consistency! Give yourself permission to slip up; that is ok! But love yourself enough to pick yourself up and keep going. It takes 21 days to form a new habit, but making small steps everyday will propel you in the right direction. Above all else, be patient, kind and loving to yourself along the way. I know you can do it!

Now over to you – what is the biggest challenge you face in bringing about positive change in your life?