How to Find a New Reason for a New Way of Living

Long-lasting change is difficult. Resolving to change is the easy part, but maintaining the new regimen once the first burst of enthusiasm has lapsed is tough. If the motivation and the reason for change is very strong, it makes it easier to stick with the actions necessary to bring it about. Thus, many committed smokers who have a health scare, suddenly find the resolve to quit. According to Barry Greenwald, Ph.D., there are several reasons why people find change difficult. A person sometimes feels ambivalent about the change. He may have a feeling of helplessness, feel that he is a victim of circumstances or may be in denial of the need for change. They key is to find a reason that motivates you to want to change.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at different aspects of your life. According to HealthGuidance, self-improvement works better than mere positive thinking at changing how you feel about yourself. Many people have a feeling of not liking themselves very much. The most effective way of countering this is to take steps to achieve things, whether by improving your health, fitness, or your work performance.

• 2

  Set your self some definite goals. This will help you to remain motivated and also to feel a sense of achievement. Meeting a goal, even a fairly minor one, can give you a feeling of pride that in itself will give you a reason to change. This is one reason the most high achieving people continue to strive. They enjoy the feeling of achievement so much that they want to repeat it.

• 3

  Imagine the ways that changing will help you to relate differently toward others. Sometimes people find fault with others or have negative feelings toward other people because of their own inadequacies. Changing yourself and increasing your self-esteem makes you more positive and relaxed with other people. You also can be a positive role model to others; think about how good this feeling would be.