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Think Big. Act Small.

  • January 7, 2016 2:35 PM EST

    Think Big - Act Small

    The beginning of a new year feels like a good time to start fresh, new projects or launch into new goals and activities. People know what they need to do to improve themself. So what stops us from making those personal improvements? The classic mistake is attempting too many changes in too short of a time with no plan on how to make it happen. You then get frustrated with no progress or not achieving those high level goals in one week, and give up altogether.

    Does this sound familiar? This concept applies to mastering new skills, and setting up a healthy eating plan or new exercise program.
    What is a better way to achieve positive change? Here are some ideas that will make your changes last.

    • Start with the "why." Why do you want to make this change? Why is it important to you? What will improve in your life if you achieve this result? Make your "why" personal, important, and clearly define all of the reasons that you really want to achieve this change. Connect your change with what is important to you on a daily basis.
    • Step two. Be very clear on your expected outcome. What does success look like? How will it feel to achieve this result? What does it mean to you? How important is it to make this change?
    • Step Three. Think big. Act small. Go for the ideal end result. Take small action steps that will be easy to achieve. What do you need to do on a monthly basis or weekly basis to reach your goal?

    The key to success is to start with small actions that you can commit to on a daily basis.
    Small daily changes will lead you into creating a habit that helps you build towards achieving your overall goal. Journal about your progress. Write out your daily goals and check them off.

    Final thoughts are to be patient with yourself as you move through any change process. Be kind and forgiving when you stumble or take extra time to get your new habits going. Every change needs time to become a habit. Every person needs a support team or system to help them make changes.  Consider getting a coach to help you jump start your important changes this year. What you focus on grows.