After studying ' Facilitating Change and Embracing Wellness' and Wellness Coaching, and also creating change in large organisations whilst I was working in Change Management. I learned that there are a couple of critical steps to change
What are your values? You are only thinking of changing because your actions are out of alignment with your values. Take some time to explore what needs changing, and which specific part of is the driving factor for change. Your values are what drive you; you need to find your driving force to ignite the energy and commitment to change. For example, I often get asked for help with fitness regimes. The question I always ask is Why? then I ask What do all your friends and family do in relation to fitness? Do you value quiet time with family and friends? So where does fitness fit into this value?
Who will support and who will create obstacles? Each change we make creates a ripple effect into others' lives. Using fitness as an example if you look after the children every Saturday morning, and that is the only time that you can get to the gym. Who can support you and how can they support you? In return, how do you help them support their own goals? For those that create obstacles, it is best to show them that it does not negatively affect them. I once had a client whose husband told me to stop working with her and her weight loss goals. When I asked why. He said, people look at her; I might lose her if she keeps looking this good. To negate this obstacle she made sure that he felt safe in their relationship. She lost over 20kg, and 5 years on they are still together. Take inventory of your strengths. Ask your friends what you are good at. Rate yourself on the areas that you are strong in. This allows you to utilise your skills and talents. People who are confident in their ability to change are more likely to change. This occurs by concentrating on what we have going right for us, thus creating a positive climate for success. If you need some expert prompting, then Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Centre offers an online survey ( VIA CharactheCharacter survey) that identifies character strengths. https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/testcenter
Find Gratitude. Gratitude allows us to forgive and release energy for those that may have hurt us. It can be very healing. Forgiveness is not the same as allowing. Forgiveness takes the burden from your shoulders and allows you to heal. Once we move from the past, we can move to the joy of the present. The anticipation of change, learning to appreciate what is happening right now. Please find attached my forgiveness process https://www.livingabalancedlife.com.au/post/forgiveness-process
Believe you can succeed. The ability to believe in yourself is critical. Plan your changes. Know your obstacles. Understand your values. Use your strengths. Remember it takes 5000 times to make a habit. So, as your own coach encourage and congratulate yourself, so you keep motivated. If you think that 5000 times is a lot, think about how many times a day you speak negatively to yourself, and you realise a lot of self-talk also needs changing.
Find yourself a coach or mentor. If you realise you are ready for change and you need some assistance with your planning stage then find someone who can support you. There are many resources available, there are services that can assist . butterfly.org.au assists with disordered eating Counselling online counsellingonline.org.au is a 24 hour drug and alcohol counseling service 1800 888 236 Black dog institute and Beyond Blue can assist if depression is part of your story blackdoginstitute.org.au and beyondblue.org.au If you are wanting advice on who to contact or you would like to book for a planning session then please contact me on livingabalancedlife.com.au
Wildest blessings,
Sally
Sports Therapist, Kinesiologist, Wellbeing Coach & Adult educator