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The Road to Change
Your 10 point Guide
The one essential requirement for personal development is change. Without change we do not progress or continue to grow. In fact the only real constant in life is change.
Through the practice of NLP, I have learned how to alter my ‘state’: choosing to more consistently access positive and more resourceful states. Something I had no idea was possible previously. I have learned that there is no such thing as failure, only feedback and renewed opportunity: that each of us already has all the resources we need (me included) to make whatever changes to our lives that we want, and how to increase behavioural flexibility to be more successful in achieving goals and objectives.
As with many people adversity really was the spur that made me pay attention and take control of my life. After facing some pretty tough challenges in my own life I now work with individuals on a daily basis, and hold regular workshops and seminars on various aspects of personal growth and development. Stress control and relaxation is always high on the list of topics covered!
I emphatically recommend to everyone I meet that they start now to take steps towards creating a stress-free and satisfying lifestyle for themselves. After all, your life really could depend on it!
HERE IS A 10 POINT GUIDE TO HELP YOU CREATE POSITIVE AND LASTING CHANGE:
1) CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION
Be clear on your objectives; where you are going and what you want to achieve.
2) PLAN THE ROUTE
Once you know where you are going you can plan how you are going to get there. When you are clear on your desires, devise a strategy for achieving them.
3) DON’T OVERTAKE YOURSELF
Devise realistic and achievable stages on your route to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Remember that the road to change, like the journey of a thousand miles, always begins with a single step.
4) PACE YOURSELF
Learn to be a long distance runner rather than a sprinter. Long term lifestyle changes are ultimately of more benefit than quick fixes.
5) KEEP UP YOUR MOMENTUM
Develop the habit of self-praise. It is nice to gain outside approval but it is what you think about yourself that really counts. When you do well tell yourself so and associate pleasure with the process of change, thereby increasing your motivation.
6) BOOK YOUR TICKET
Commit yourself. Make a declaration of your intention to change either publicly or to someone whose opinion you value - so you are less inclined to back out.
7) KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD
Pay attention. If you are not moving towards your destination change your approach.
Try questioning your motivation: are you fully committed to achieving the result you set out achieve? Try telling yourself "I can" rather than "I must" and focus your mind on solutions rather than problems.
8) CHOOSE FELLOW TRAVELLERS CAREFULLY
Surround yourself with people who are supportive of you and your goals. Avoid those people who do not believe in what you are doing or who do not have similar values.
9) AVOID DEAD ENDS
Lifestyle changes require modifications to outmoded behaviour patterns. Change habits and routines that do not work for you and replace them with ones that do. Successful changes in behaviour take at least 21 days of consistent repetition, so the first 3 weeks are crucial!
10) STAYING ON COURSE
Whilst travelling remember that no journey is a completely straight course. You will probably need to change direction several times to arrive at your chosen destination.
Always bear in mind that the journey itself can be great fun!
© Jeff Turner
