I have spoken to many people recently who are trying to change something; maybe their diet, drinking or smoking habits, or the amount of exercise they do. I also have clients looking to change something about their work environment such as systems or processes, incorporating different kinds of marketing to suit the changing times like social media, or video. So I wanted to look at how to make positive change, in whatever form that takes.
Whatever it is that needs changing, it is going to be hard and you will need to have will power and lots of support. I would suggest that you give yourself a minimum of 9 weeks so that you really have time to form new habits and get yourself submerged in your new life or work style!
To help you through think about these 3 things:
1. YOUR GOAL – What is the difference between now and the future. Envisage what you want to change, the steps you need to take and break it down into bite-sized sections so that you don’t have a huge leap to take in one go. You have 9 weeks or longer so section it out and write it down in your diary so it is easy to see the journey you are embarking upon.
2. YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK – The people you surround yourself with will have a huge impact upon the success of your task to make change. If you are looking to improve your diet you need to get everyone around you on board, it’s no good sitting looking at a lettuce leaf while everyone else is tucking into pizza. This might mean you do new things with friends which don’t involve sitting round eating and drinking, even if it’s just for a short while, whilst you get a handle on your new habits.
If you are making change at work then it is imperative you have team of people around you who all share your goal. If you are trying to make a change while everyone else carries on in the old way, you will fail.
3. YOUR ENVIRONMENT – If you are trying to stop doing something, such as smoking, then you need to make an excuse to remove yourself from a smoky environment. The moment you put yourself in a tempting environment your will power will start to weaken and subconsciously your brain will start making excuses…
If you are trying to improve your telephone technique at work and feel nervous in the main office, just move yourself into a private place, or make some calls from your car, or stay a little later after your colleagues have gone home. Practice in private until you have the confidence to speak openly. Lots of situations are daunting and sometimes you just need to make a change to your environment until you have broken the fear and feel ready to re-join.
Good luck to everyone attempting change, it WILL be worth it in the long run. If you need support, I’m just an email away to be your cheerleader! jane@social-angels.co.uk
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Jane Gardner
I work all over the UK with various business owners, dedicating my creative and expert property knowledge from 35 years in the industry. I am a Level 4 ARLA Propertymark examiner, I sit on the board of Agents Giving Charity and I love everything property related! I can be contacted on 01923 627777 or by email to jane@social-angels.co.uk
