Change is often difficult, but sometimes necessary. Perhaps there’s a pattern of thinking or behaviour that is causing problems in your life?
Some tips to get you started…
- Clearly articulate what the change is that you’d like to make – be specific about your goal!
- Make a list of the reasons why you want to make the change, including the positives that will come from making change, and the costs to you and others of not making that change
- Remind yourself regularly that with conscious effort, making changes is possible. Make a list of changes you have successfully achieved in the past, no matter how small these have been. Try to be a cheerleader of change for yourself.
- Be conscious of the barriers to change. Write these down and see if you can come up with some solutions for finding a way around these obstacles.
- Be prepared for ‘high risk’ situations – these are situations that typically trigger a stress response in you, or when you are more likely to have destructive urges. Write a list of what may have triggered difficult reactions for you in the past. Then, write a list of what you might try to do instead (that is, some positive coping strategies, that fit with the change you are trying to achieve).
- Have compassion and empathy for yourself as you are in the process of change. Setbacks will likely occur, and no one is perfect. Having a strong inner critic will hamper change, so try and practice at every opportunity being on your own side. This will really help you to make the changes you want to make.
Good luck ! Reach out to us at any stage if you need help.