Why is Change So Elusive And What You Can Do About It

MELBOURNE, Australia - Jan. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- Psychologists tell us the biggest reason people don’t achieve goals is because most won’t change behaviour, environment or identity.

Chances are you’ve said you’re ‘going to get fitter’, ‘might go back to study’ or ‘should change jobs’ at one time or another.

Yet, are these really statements of commitment? Using phrases like ‘going to’, ‘might’ or ‘should’, usually means little changes.

Before beginning any change program accept yourself as you are. Know that we're all imperfect and we're enough, as Brene Brown says.

You’re the best you can be with the tools you have to work with. Believe this wholeheartedly and you’ll stop the self-blame game which usually results in minimising stress by over-indulging, turning to bad habits or doing nothing through overwhelm.

Researchers say 96% of people give up their hopes and dreams, coping by numbing their emotions with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or unhealthy habits … it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here’s a simple three-step plan to make 2014 different for you:

Step #1 Accept yourself – it’s not about judging yourself or others. Those who judge themselves poorly often judge others just as harshly, causing negative attitudes. Instead look for what’s good in people and you’ll also discover what’s good in you.

Step #2 Visualise what you’re capable of achieving. Consider what’s ‘possible’ then discover what could happen as a result.

Step #3 Do one thing differently tomorrow. When you take action you create a ripple effect, triggering change. Imagine doing just one thing differently each day during 2014. For example: imagine rising ten seconds earlier each day – sounds ridiculous – yet this one tiny action means that by December 2014 you’d have an extra hour in your day. Imagine taking one less bite of a pie, ten more steps each day, reading one more sentence of a book. It’s the little consistent changes that make the difference. Let the ripples begin.

Barbara Grace is the Director of the School of Modern Psychology. During January the School is offering FREE registration for an online art journaling course to get you inspired for 2014. The e-course starts February 17. To find out more, go to www.schoolofmodernpsychology.com.au/be-inspiring