So, you’re restless and you know that circumstances in your life currently are not how you want them to be. It could be that you are in the wrong relationship but it has become comfortable and the idea of being alone or the change is frightening. Yet, despite this – you know that you are letting yourself down by not confronting the situation. Or it might be that you are in an unfulfilling  job and need to change that aspect of your life.
Whatever it is, we all have something that needs tweaking in our life. It could be that we have let ourselves go and have out on weight or have stopped caring about ourselves as much as we used to.
It’s time to get tough. If it is causing you misery it needs to be addressed. If it’s no big deal and you are quite content then, by all means, carry on as before. I see so many people, personally and professionally, who hate parts of their lives. They wish for better things on a daily basis yet do nothing about it. This inertia compounds the problem.
Many people wait for the inspiration to make the changes or for some magical external event to alter life for them. This is not the way to go about it. You need to force the momentum in order to get the inspiration and the confidence.
Here are a few ways to get yourself to take action:
1) Remind yourself that you are 100% responsible for your lot in life. Even when you are not taking action, you are still responsible for not taking any action. If someone is treating you badly – you are still responsible for putting up with it and not doing something about it. No excuses – it’s up to you.
2) Make a list of what you want to change and then break each goal down into manageable steps. For example, if you wish to improve your appearance and lose weight. Write down the goal “lose weight” and make it specific. “Lose half a stone within next month”. The more specific the steps the better. Some examples: join weightwatchers, join the gym, hire a personal trainer, buy fruit for breakfast…and so on. Writing it down clarifies your aims.
3) FORCE yourself to take action. This part is non-negotiable. Imagine that you have entered into a contract with yourself. You HAVE to stick to the plan as much as possible.
4) Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a target. Learn from it and work around it. Don’t see your progress as all or nothing. Get back up and carry on as before. We all let our guard down at times. These mishaps can teach you more about your triggers and vulnerable areas.
5) Tell others about your plan. Letting a few people who are close to you know what your plan is can encourage commitment to stick with it.
6) Think about your goals daily and about the steps you are taking each day towards these goals.
7) Speak to yourself in a positive manner. Tell yourself you can do whatever you put your mind to. You are capable and it is possible to achieve your new life. Visualise the positive outcome as often as you can and stick up written affirmations around your home if this will help as a reminder. eg “You can do it” or “I am going to make this happen”.
Don’t get disheartened if progress is slower than anticipated. As long as you are taking steps each day that contribute towards your end goal, you are on the right track.
Offer yourself little rewards as you go along to make it easier…it’s time to get started. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. You will never be as young as you are in this moment now. use your time well…Procrastination is for wussies!
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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