Creating Positive Change ~ Part Two

Is it a matter of sheer determination, or could there be a strategy in place for them that could help you improve your results? If you had a different approach, could you also be enjoying the long-term satisfaction that comes along with consistent life changes? Not only is it possible, but it is also proven that you can experience better results. I have not only heard about people who have experienced the success of discipline and consistency, I have also experienced it firsthand! I will give you the recipe to my secret sauce in a few minutes but first, listen to the example that made me believe that the tools were real, but more importantly, that they reside within each of us, and we simply need to exercise and nurture them.

Many years ago, I was watching one of the late-night talk shows and the host was interviewing an actor about strong-willed people. I recall the actor telling the host a story of how strong his father’s will was and how he used his internal fortitude to quit smoking without ever seeking a treatment program or any other kind of help. The actor went on to say that his father decided to give up smoking one day and the way he did it was to always keep a pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket. I know, it sounds peculiar, but keep tracking along with me on the story. When the urge to have a cigarette came over the gentleman, he would take the pack of cigarettes from his shirt pocket, look at and say to the cigarettes “Who’s stronger, are you stronger? No, I’m stronger!” And with that, the gentleman would decline the invitation to have a smoke and put the cigarettes back in his shirt pocket.

At the time, the lesson for me was that the will of the human mind is much more powerful than we can imagine and somehow, this gentleman figured out how to, on his own, create a habit that would positively change his life. I haven’t met too many people who have such remarkable abilities, but I knew then, and I know now, that those abilities are very real. I believe that the gentleman’s secret is rooted in self-discipline and consistency. Understanding and applying this is not quite enough for most of us. I believe we need to create discipline and consistency by focusing on three key concepts:

•     Your raison d’etre (reason for being, or simply put: your “why”)
•     Remaining ever-present in every action (mindfulness)
•     Acknowledging the smallest victories (reward ALL progress)

Now that you have the secret ingredients, let me share briefly how it keeps me focused on creating positive change in my life.

For me to be successful, certain things must be “in order”. Over time, I have learned that if I can understand how change can benefit me, and I acknowledge that the change is better than my current state of being, then all I must do is follow the model I’ve previously shared with you and keep everything in balance. To recap, the system of creating positive change looks like this:

1. Decide on the area of life that needs to be changed
2. Create SMART goals that address that area
3. Create action steps that will lead to the achievement of the SMART goals
4. Execute the actions steps with discipline and consistency
5. Make my “why” a part of my immediate self-conscious
6. Remain mindful that my choices must always be in order with my action steps
7. Acknowledge and reward each victory, no matter how insignificant it appears

Believe me, this process is easier said than done, but if you can slowly create the repeatable behavior that is in order with this approach, you will have created the positive change that will steer any future changes or necessary transitions for the rest of your life. Discipline and consistency are the bricks that pave the way to personal achievement!

The Company You Keep

So, you have put a great deal of thought, time, and effort into positioning yourself to create positive changes in your life. You are hopefully at the point of execution. And now your friends and family are noticing something different about you. It is interesting that when we make changes in our lives, it sometimes makes those closest to us curious or maybe uncomfortable. They notice something different about you or how you are behaving. There is a reason for this. Are you familiar with this old Welsh proverb: “Birds of a feather flock together”? How about this saying: “Don’t be afraid of being outnumbered. Eagles fly alone, pigeons flock together”. These sayings tell a real story that is worth mentioning at this point. As you begin to go after the positive changes in your life and reach beyond the boundaries of your current existence, some of the people in your circle of relationships will applaud the changes but others may doubt your sincerity and resolve. Some may even try to discourage you as your breakthroughs are achieved and your goals draw near. As your transition continues, it may be a good idea for you to surround yourself with people who have similar goals or are willing to support you and hold you accountable. This support system can add more motivation and provide additional fuel which will help you to reach your goal. 

Professional Coaching from Hope Byus LLC

For those of you who could use an accountability partner for ongoing extra inspiration, a life coach can help you to find out what you need and can help inspire you to get there. Our goal is to successfully support you in realizing your full potential and assist in giving your life a new direction. Our task oriented, collaborative sessions will help you to identify any problems and concerns that stand in the way of achieving your goals, and we will support you in applying the actions I shared earlier. We understand that breakthroughs require growth and growth requires vision followed by consistent action to successfully reach your goals.