Tips for Change: Help to Accomplish Your Goals

By Genevieve Smith

Change is hard, there’s no two ways about it. The rewards on the other side are always amazing, however, and that’s why we strive for it. Take on these strategies to set yourself up to come out on top.

• Find your motivation - Dig into why you want your stated goal. Look at the bigger picture and ask yourself why you want what you’re striving for. By identifying something truly meaningful, you can set yourself up to better stick to goals amidst stressful times.

• Go for gradual change - Break down your goal into small, tangible steps. Try writing a step down, along with how to achieve it. Go for realistically do-able things that you’re confident you can achieve, and once you’ve completed a step, repeat the process of writing down. The idea is to slowly and steadily build up to a lifestyle change.

• Remember that timing matters - Embarking on change amidst a stressful period, especially one you know will pass (once a project is done, for example) will hinder your clarity in hitting the necessary steps. While it's no use to put off setting and reaching for your goals another day, do try to set yourself up for success by choosing to start something new in a relatively calm time of life. 
• Find your cheer team - Harness the power of support. Whether it’s family members, friends, or a hired professional, bring others into your goals. Let loved ones know tangible things which they can do to help support you, rather than keeping it vague, for your ensured success.

• Keep track of progress - Keep note of all those exhilarating wins! They can easily fly under the radar unnoticed by you, as change can happen in small ways. Keep a journal of your progress, and acknowledge each success. And be sure to reward yourself with something motivational!

• Learn from hiccups - Setbacks are a wonderfully scary way to experience the difference between where you were and where you’re going. Acknowledge them as such.

Change is difficult, and is a path both thrilling and terrifying. Acknowledge with gratitude the fortune we have to aspire for more and ability we possess to change ourselves over time. Take it easy with your progress, thanking yourself for wanting the fullest and richest life possible. Now go get ‘em, tiger.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.

From: Reader's Digest Best Health