There seems to be a new wave of thought these days where everyone wants to create a better lifestyle. But then again, maybe it's not so new. However, just thinking about making your life better is not enough. It's not as easy as changing out a lightbulb, though wouldn't it be nice if it were.
Making real changes that last involve deciding what changes need to be made, setting goals, and taking action steps.
On Purpose Choices
You cannot successfully make lasting change without choosing first what it is that you want. Take time to think, pray and create a list of long term or lifetime goals. You may need to find a quiet place for this, or maybe you'll need to talk it over with a friend.
Some people like to keep a journal of their thoughts. Others take walks. Some people need to talk through their thoughts to make sense of them. Do what it takes to figure out what are the things that are important to you, that you achieve or obtain in this life. Once you have established what it is that you want, you can move on to the next thing.
Setting Goals
It is best not to set unrealistic goals. Set goals that are realistic so that you can easily achieve them, or at least achieve them with a plan. In this way, you can go on to set another goal that is a bit higher the next time. For example, if you wish to lose weight, set a goal to start a healthier diet and exercise more. Once you have met that goal, then think about pounds. Do not set a specific number of pounds at first or it can feel impossible and be discouraging.
Setting a goal that is small and attainable will help you advance toward the goals that are a little more difficult and you will have better overall results.
Action Steps
It is essential to write down a clear path of action steps that you will take daily to achieve those goals. Even if it is something as simple as buying more veggies and less junk, that will lead you into cooking healthier meals and eating healthier because you have healthier ingredients on hand. From there move to drinking more water, portion size control, and then perhaps a specific diet plan.
No matter what you do, make sure you take at least one action step per day. It does not have to be a grand action step; it just has to be an action step in the right direction.
Accountability
The most important thing about changing your life for the better is to make it known what you are setting out to do. Once you put it out in the universe that you are setting a goal and are clearly intentional about achieving it, you now have others you need to be accountable to other than yourself. Here again is where setting realistic goals is important.
Also, pick one trusted person who will be responsible for asking you about whether or not you did what you said you were going to do. Knowing that you have someone to answer to is always a great way of following through.
With these tips, you can make changes that last and changes that can give you a better life.
Heart Changes
But maybe the change you need is not so much but in life, but in heart. The changes of the heart are the most important, and can lead to life changes as well.
In every moment of every day, we are faced with choices:
Just 2 choices on the shelf: Pleasing God, or pleasing self.
If self you choose, then you will lose. If God's your choice, you will rejoice.
-Ken Collier (of the Wilds Christian Camp Ministry)
What needs to be changed in your life? Do you need a change of heart? A life change? Have you strayed from the goals you set for yourself at new years? Do you need to evaluate your progress and readjust? Take some time today to share your heart with the Lord and ask his help for what it is you desire and/or need to do.
God bless you today.
Katie