What’s working well in my life right now? List some of the positives about your life as it is right now. To make a change, you need to be aware of what you like as much as you’re aware of what you don’t like so that you don’t end up wrecking the positives in your life. You can also list some of your strengths here so that you know what you have to draw on as you go through the change process. What are the areas of my life I want to change? Do you hate your job? Are you in an unhappy marriage? Write down the parts of your life that are making you really unhappy. Pick out the top 3 to 5 things you’d like to change. Again, quickly and without too much thinking, write down the steps that you can take to make changes. Do not overwork this––there is plenty of time for fine adjustment later.
Transform general statements into something more active. For example, instead of writing something generic like “find my passion,” pick something actionable and specific. You can instead say, “visit a career coach” or “take an aptitude test. " Turn big projects into small to-dos. For instance, instead of writing “find a new job,” break it down into steps like “update my resume,” “create a LinkedIn profile,” “research new companies” or “write a letter of resignation. "
To get out of an unhappy relationship: Talk to your partner, line up a new place to stay, pack your belongings, or ask friends to help you move. To make yourself more healthy: Throw out all of the junk food in your cabinets, join a gym, talk to people who will support you, or get some new sneakers. To move to a new city: Find an apartment in the new place, list your current house or condo for sale, start throwing away things you don’t want to take with you, or call your friends and relatives to tell them the news.
For example, you could make and sign a contract with yourself where you agree to do certain things (daily or weekly) in order to accomplish your goal.
You can use your journal to record your thoughts and feelings about the change you are trying to make, make lists of things you want to do each day, or just write about whatever is on your mind.
Leave encouraging notes for yourself to put a smile on your face when you least expect it. Writing down things like, “You’re awesome!” or “Keep going!” can help to give you a little boost now and then. Spend time doing things that make you feel happy with people who make you feel good. Walk around the mall with your best friend or go see a movie with your significant other.
Start with your desk, your bedroom, your bag, your digital distraction or another small clutter problem. Start in 1 corner or with 1 shelf in a room, or tackle 1 pile of papers. Come up with solutions to keep the clutter from happening again. For example, decide to spend 20 minutes a day straightening your house or apartment.
Look great on the outside. When is the last time you got yourself a great haircut or a pedicure or manicure? Do you need new clothes? Part of creating the new you may include changing the way that you look. Investing in looking good is an investment in yourself. Get regular exercise and eat healthy foods. When you’re scared about making a life change, you may be tempted to hole yourself up inside your home and engage in some serious emotional eating. Instead, take care of yourself. Go for a 30-minute walk every day and eat foods that are good for you. Go for some checkups. When did you last go to the dentist or have a physical health checkup? Your body may need some fine-tuning to be at its best in your new circumstances. You don’t want to have an unknown problem brewing with your physical health.
If you think it is appropriate and you feel comfortable sharing your decision to change, consider posting your intentions on Facebook or another social media site that you use often. Making your intentions known can be a great way to get support and invite others to hold you accountable. [10] X Research source
