Last post discussed the idea of choosing a goal that matters to you, habits of mind to build optimism along with recognizing strengths you bring to this goal, and focusing on some of the component parts to achieve it. If you weren’t inspired to take action yet, now is your opportunity.
Each action step, is like laying down one layer of foundation at a time. Occasionally, an area has to be redone, especially when you’re first learning what to do. Being a physician nurse, or chiropractor, I’m sure you’re smart and know this, but it may be hard for you to experience it. It is hard for perfectionistic people to be beginners. So, allow yourself adequate time in days and weeks to integrate the small changes which get you closer to your dream.
Small actions over time with consistency, Initially, you might want to choose something that is at first hardly noticeable, because it is easier to integrate into your life. You can go back to “What would 3% more effort look like?” Stop reading and imagine for a moment what you’d be doing.
Consistency, be aware that change, even when we know it is for our benefit, even enjoyment, is difficult. That is part of why habit formation is so important. Neural pathways, which allow you to behave in a habitual way with ease rather than forced awareness, take time to form. A minimum of 30 days and up to 6 months is generally required for a new behavior to be established. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition. Looking for someone to accompany you along the way, contact me.
It is natural to have slip ups along the way. What’s important is that you keep coming back. You may need to make modifications to the actions so that they work better for you. There will also be days when you’re awesome in your attempts to change; so give yourself permission to be magnificent as well. It is all part of the human experience. Permission to be human in your failures and your magnificence.
Here are some steps which may support you in taking action:
- Brainstorm a list of ideas without editing, allow for what may at first sound silly, perhaps this is something fun that you can do in a modified way
- Get a calendar and mark when you plan to take action and when you’ve taken action
- On your calendar or tracking system, include the purpose for your action, big picture outcome, as well as the specific action which you are taking
- Reward yourself for the positive progress, thus focusing on the positive rather than berating yourself for what was left undone. Face it, we respond to positive reinforcement.
For help with your action steps, toward living your life of joy and well being, contact me.
Dina 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
Revitalize Your Life
