Whether you are bored with what you are currently doing or want to change something specific about yourself, you can make the decision to change now so that you can enjoy a better and more profitable life. Sometimes, you just need to take action instead of continuing to hoard dreams without doing anything further. Making big changes in a matter of hours may not be possible, but at least you can start taking the path to change. Some things you can do to get started include brainstorming, setting goals, and taking small steps toward your goals. Keep reading this article to learn more about how to change your life in a matter of hours.
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Part 1 of 3: Writing a Plan
Step 1. Think about your long term goals
What are your long term goals? Just think about how you see yourself in the next ten years. Do you want to own a house? Do you want to lead the company where you work now? Do you want to get married and have some children? Think about whether or not you are currently moving in the right direction towards achieving your long-term goals. If not, you will have to identify some areas that need to be changed.
Step 2. Find out what you want to change
Sometimes the change is so big and so scary that you just don't want to think about it at all. But you can do something about that change and you can do it now. Take a piece of paper and a pen. Try brainstorming and writing down your answers to the following questions as quickly as possible. Don't think too much about grammar, spelling, punctuation, just write it down.
- What is going well in my life right now? Write down some positive things about your life right now. In order to make a change, you have to be aware of what you like and what you don't like so you don't destroy the positives in your life. You can also list some of your strengths so you know what to use as you go through the change process.
- What are the areas in my life that I would like to change? Do you hate your job? Is your marriage unhappy? Write down the parts of your life that made you really unhappy.
- Choose 3 of 5 things you want to change. Again, quickly and without thinking too much, write down the steps you can take to make a change. Don't worry too much about this part because you have plenty of time to make changes after that.
Step 3. Read everything you wrote
You've just created a compact personal map for changes. Over time, you can make changes to this map. By now, you've fought the feeling that "this is all too hard to change" and turned it into some concrete steps. Reread what you have just written to solidify it in your mind and start working towards achieving these goals.
Step 4. Break down the bigger goals on your list into smaller things that are easier to do
Big goals like "becoming a millionaire" are great for long-term goals, but they don't give you anything concrete to do. In achieving your goals, you must break them down into smaller, more realistic goals. For example, you could break your big goal of becoming a millionaire into something more doable like "open a savings account" or "ask for a raise." These are things that can help you get closer to your goals and make them seem easier to achieve.
- Change the general statement like something more active. For example, instead of writing something generic like "find my passion," try choosing something more doable and more specific. You could write "see a career coach" or "take an aptitude test."
- Turn large projects into small tasks. For example, instead of writing "find a new job," break it down into steps like "update resume," "create a LinkedIn profile," "research new companies" or "write a resignation letter."
Step 5. Do something to get you closer to your goal
Once you've reviewed your list, find out what you could easily complete in 48 hours and do it. Try to do as many small action steps as you can within 48 hours to get yourself on the path to change. Here are some examples:
- Get out of an unhappy relationship: Talk to your partner, find a new place for you to live, pack your things, or ask a friend to help you move.
- A healthier life: Throw all unhealthy foods out of your cupboard, sign up for a gym, talk to people who want to support you, or buy new sneakers.
- Move to a new city: Find an apartment in the new city, put the house you currently live in on the list of properties for sale, start getting rid of things you don't want to take with you, or call your friends and relatives to share the news.
Part 2 of 3: Motivate Yourself
Step 1. Put your goal where you can see it
Placing your goals where you can see them, such as your refrigerator or as your laptop wallpaper, can help you stay focused on that goal. By reminding yourself of your goals every day, you will help yourself to make choices that will bring you closer to achieving your goals.
Step 2. Commit to keep trying to achieve the goal until it is actually achieved
It's important to commit to a goal the first time you set it and come back to that commitment every time you fall. Keeping your commitments will help you stay focused and work towards your goals.
For example, you could create a contract with yourself and sign it in which you agree to do certain things (daily or weekly) to achieve your goals
Step 3. Start a journal or blog to monitor your progress
Writing about your journey can be a great way to keep yourself motivated. Journals can help you share your thoughts about your new situation in secret, while blogs can allow others to share this journey with you. Find out which method is more comfortable for you and start writing today.
You can use a journal to record your thoughts and feelings about the changes you want to make, make a list of the things you want to do each day, or write down whatever comes to your mind
Step 4. Imagine yourself reaching your goal
Visualizations or images are powerful tools to help keep yourself motivated to make the changes you envision. Spend about 10 minutes per day thinking about what it's like when you reach your goal. Imagine what the situation will be, how people will react, and how you will feel.
Step 5. Stay positive
Being positive can help you achieve your goals by keeping you happy. The happier you are, the more confident you will feel that you can achieve your goals. Try to remind yourself to focus on the positive rather than the negative. If you find yourself or others around you being so judgmental, try to make some changes.
- Put encouraging notes to yourself so you smile at the most unexpected times. Write sentences like, "You're great!" or "Let's keep trying!" so you can get a little excited.
- Spend time doing things that make you happy with people who make you feel good. You can go for a walk in the shopping center with your friends or go to the cinema with your partner.
Step 6. Reward yourself
You can help yourself stay motivated by promising yourself a reward. Simple things like rewarding yourself with new clothes after you've lost 5 pounds can make a big difference to your motivation to keep working towards your goals. Make sure you choose rewards that are healthy and within your budget. When you reach your goal, make sure you immediately give the reward to yourself.
Part 3 of 3: Coping With Change
Step 1. Clean your environment
You can clear your mind after getting rid of the things that are holding you back. Ask yourself if you really need those piles of paper, unwatched DVDs or unworn clothes. Getting rid of things you don't need can also help free up space in your mind.
- Start with your desk, bedroom, bag, or other messy place. Start with a corner or one drawer in the room, or clear out a pile of paper.
- Find a solution to prevent the mess from happening again. For example, decide to spend 20 minutes per day tidying up your house or apartment.
Step 2. Take good care of yourself
Taking good care of yourself goes hand in hand with any successful transition. By taking good care of yourself, you're saying to yourself, "You're really important and I want to take the time to take care of what's really important." In addition, you will also feel more confident in your new situation. Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly to feel good.
- Has a nice outward appearance. When was the last time you cut your hair or had your fingernails and toenails treated? Do you need new clothes? One of the things that must be done in creating a new you is to change the way you look. Investing in good looks is investing in yourself.
- Do exercise and eat healthy food. When you're afraid to make changes in your life, it can be tempting to hide at home and go out to eat as an outlet for your emotions. Instead of that, try to love yourself. You can get out of the house and walk for 30 minutes and eat something that's good for you.
- Take a medical test. When was the last time you went to the dentist or had a medical? In this new situation, the body must be at its best. Of course you don't want any unknown problem to interfere with your physical health.
Step 3. Find support
Support is important when trying to make big life changes. Contact themes and family to support you through the transition. You can join a support group or try talking to a therapist if these life changes are making you anxious or depressed.
If you feel appropriate and comfortable sharing about this decision to change, try posting it on Facebook or other social media that you use frequently. By making your intentions known, you too can gain support and indirectly keep others watching your progress
Step 4. Be patient
Sure, you've already taken some big life-changing steps in a few hours, but getting used to the changes takes time. Don't slip back into old ways or old situations just because you're afraid or unsure of your choices. Give yourself 6 months to a year to get used to the new environment.
