Change – A Four Step Process
In any life circumstance, when we feel a sense of dissatisfaction, it’s an indicator that something is out of alignment and that we need to make a change. But change is a process and contains four key ingredients. If any of these four ingredients are missing, then change doesn’t happen and we find ourselves stuck repeating the same frustrating patterns.
Here’s the 4-step process for change:
REALISATION that something needs to change
You’ll know that something needs to change when:
- you find yourself complaining about the same situation repeatedly.
- you feel like a victim, like you have a harder time of things than other people.
- your friends/colleagues/family are growing frustrated with giving you the same advice over and over again.
- you’ve turned to any kind of over-use such as overeating, binge-drinking, being online half the night, shopping for things you don’t need.
If you can say yes to any of the above, then this is your wake-up call that something needs to change!
AWARENESS that it’s possible to make a change
You’ll know you have the awareness that’s it’s possible to change when:
- you find books or articles on the subject explaining how to change what’s troubling you.
- you hear about courses or workshops or groups that focus on rectifying the problem you’re having.
- you speak to other people who’ve been where you are now and you notice that they’ve turned their life around.
- you find out that there are specialists such as doctors, therapists, coaches, mentors, who specialise in dealing with your issue.
If you can say yes to any of the above then, congratulations! You’re aware that it’s possible to make a change!
WILLINGNESS to put the work in to make a change
You’ll know that you’re willing to put the work in to make a change when:
- you read a book or an article on your issue and start putting some of the advice into practice.
- you book yourself onto a course or workshop, or join a group in order to get help and support.
- you ask other people who’ve been where you are what they did, and you listen to and take action upon their advice.
- you book an appointment with a specialist (doctor, therapist, coach, mentor) to discuss your options about how to move forward.
If you can say yes to any of the above then, well done! You’ve shown that you’re willing to the put the work in to make a change!
KNOWLEDGE of what’s required to make the change
You’ll know that you have the knowledge required to make the change when:
- you stop blaming other people for your past, and start taking responsibility for your future.
- you find yourself becoming aware of how your own choices are creating your circumstances.
- you notice that you’re beginning to form new habits, and creating new rules and boundaries for yourself.
- you see that your new habits are creating a positive difference to your own life and the lives of those around you.
If you can say yes to any of the above then, hallelujah! You have the knowledge of what’s required to make the change.
What stage are you at in this 4-step process? Do you need help?
My area of expertise is helping people who find themselves frustrated in their work to figure out what work will make them happy and keep them motivated – whether that’s a simple change in how they do things in their present job, going to work for a different company, changing their job completely, or starting their own business.
If that sounds like something you need help with, drop me a message here and let’s talk about your options. Just don’t be stuck because it’s not necessary.
