How to be successful in making changes

By Cassie Smith RN, BSN, NC-BC

Most people try to make drastic changes in their life. I’m sure you have heard the expressions:  jumping in the pool head first or eating a whole elephant at once. They have the mentality of “all or nothing!”. This can set the person up for ultimate failure. The failure comes from trying to change their entire lifestyle and routines making it difficult to stick with. 

There are many theorists who have studied the concept and role of change. During their studies, many different aspects were discovered and incorporated into how successful a change can be. 

Here are some key findings:

1. Change is achieved through small successful increments. 

Start by looking at your lifestyle and where you can incorporate some small changes. Those small changes add up over time to make huge impacts in your life. 

Example- Replacing x1 pop a day with a large glass of water or walking 10 minutes after work.

2. Change occurs when you feel supported in making those changes.

This relates to self-esteem. As you feel supported, you gain confidence. This makes you feel like the “driver” over these changes.

3. What makes life worth living?

When you have a personal purpose behind your change, you are more likely to stick to those changes. 

4. The ability to make change comes with an increased self-awareness. 

This means when you can recognize on an emotional level how these changes make you feel, you are more likely to continue with incorporating those changes or you will decide to change the goals to best suit your current self. 

I applaud anyone who is making the leap to making healthier and happier changes in their life, but starting off on the right foot is key to long term success!