Are you ready to be different without having to remember to be different? Learning how to start a new habit and create lasting change can seem a little tricky at first because we have to remember to act differently. It’s easy to forget and slide right back into those old comfy habits and patterns of behavior. I get it. I am a personal growth junky. But, even though I am always looking for ways to expand and grow and to become the best version of myself (a newer, better model), I catch myself sliding back to my old ways.
Starting a new habit and creating lasting change can feel like you’re being forced into a pair of running shoes and being asked to run a marathon. You feel doomed from the start. So instead, let’s look at it as though you’re voluntarily looking down a long path, committing to the jog ahead. It doesn’t matter how slow you run, so long as you continue to move forward. Change can be hard (so can be running, for that matter!) But if you commit and rely on your support group for help, you’ll eventually get into a rhythm and voila – you’re on your way!
The transition into a new year always brings change to the forefront. And, gosh, the pressure that comes with it! Today, I want to share with you the steps you can take to start a new habit and create lasting change. But, it doesn’t stop there! Once you complete these steps, you need to have the right system, support and accountability in place, which is why it is so very important to work with a coach!
Here are the steps to starting a new habit and creating lasting change:
- Own it. Decide that it is time for a change. Making a conscious decision that you are ready for and want to make a change. Take ownership of this decision. Owning that it is YOUR CHOICE puts you into a place of power.
- Check it. Check to make sure that the change you are creating meets the following criteria: 1. It’s measurable: How will you know you achieved the change? What will the new experience feel like? 2. It’s manageable: It’s not too big and it’s not too small; it’s just the right amount of challenge and change. 3. It’s up to you: You’re in the driver seat, the one doing the change. This has to be all you. 4. It’s positive: What do you want? Leave the “don’t” want out of it, and focus on the “do” want. 5. It’s important: What is important about this change, and how will your life and the lives of others be positively impacted?
- Feel it. Identify how you want to feel. Feelings drive behaviors. Do you want to feel luminous? Fierce? Inspired? In love? Creative? Brainstorm a list of feeling words that you feel drawn to. If you’re stumped trying to come up with feeling words, think of experiences that light up the pleasure center of your brain and ask yourself how you felt in that situation. Did you feel excited? Connected? Curious? Once you’ve come up with a list, circle the words that ring true to you. Keep whittling your list down until you have three words that you feel drawn to. Write those three words down, and check back in on that list a few days later to make sure these words are still true for you. If yes, you’ve figured out how you want to feel.
- Believe it. Know that you can do this. Trust in yourself. Take time every single day and mentally rehearse the experience of living this new change. Engage all of your senses and feel it fully – emotionally, mentally and physically.
- Support it. Call in your support team. Who can help hold you accountable? Start a challenge, a support group, or better yet, hire a coach to stretch you to the next level. Fill up your corner with cheerleaders and people who can kick you in the booty when you need it. Change is a process. Inspiration, support and accountability are all key to your success.
Emily