Change can be uncomfortable, aggravating and stressful. Let’s face it…it’s easier to keep doing the same thing over and over every day than to make any changes. But what happens when you’re tired of getting the same results?
If you’re ready to change your working from home habits, start with these tips.
1. Keep your motivation in mind.
Everyone has his or her own reason for wanting to change. Losing clients, wasting money and tired of feeling stressed can be strong motivators. If you continue to lose money because of bad habits or poor planning, or you tend to put things off until the last minute, the consequences may motivate you to change one or several things you’re doing. As the old saying goes, “People make changes based on pain or pleasure.” Find what motivates you and then make changes.
2. Recognize that you have the ability to change.
You are your own best cheerleader. While your best efforts can move you forward, your lack of trying and negative thoughts can set you back. Believe in yourself and in your abilities. If you’re convinced you can change, you will. It’s never too late to try something new and if you’re motivated to make a change, you can.
3. Ask why you haven’t made any changes.
Think about why you continue to do the same thing over and over, even when you get the same results every time. Do you know what has been holding you back? This may seem a bit extreme, but make a list of everything you want to change and next to each item, give a reason why you’re not changing. If you face each problem squarely, little by little you’ll eliminate the roadblocks to change.
4. Set goals.
When you need to get somewhere, it’s much easier to get there when you know where you’re going. I know that’s common sense, but just as it helps to be specific about where you’re going, it’s important to create specific goals. Be realistic and set goals that may take a bit of effort on your part, but are goals you can achieve.
Change doesn’t have to be scary, especially if you make the decision to change what’s not working. Challenge yourself to change one or two things each week. Eventually you’ll make positive changes and will see a difference in your business life and personal life.
What changes have you made recently that have had a positive effect on your life?
Excellent advice, Lisa. What I always say-baby steps. Start small. After all, baby steps still move you forward.
Cathy Miller recently posted..3 Business Writing Hits for the Summertime Blues
You’re right, Cathy. The first step is always the toughest. After that, moving forward is easier.
Lisa recently posted..4 Ways to Make Change Easier
Great advice – especially about the part about recognizing you have the ability to change… a lot of us don’t know that…
Anthony Caruso recently posted..Shrimp and Sausage Cioppino (Guilt-free and Gluten-free)
That’s sad, but true. There are so many things that we can accomplish if we’re in the right frame of mind and believe in ourselves.
Lisa recently posted..4 Ways to Make Change Easier
These kind of posts always remind me of the “light bulb’ jokes….
How many Virginians does it take to change a light bulb? None. They like the old ones better.
And, therein lies the crux of the battle- as you so carefully outlined it.
RAAckerman @ Cerebrations.biz recently posted..I’m not going to take it anymore. One man’s quest- now 12600+ strong.
I always like a good light bulb joke.
That’s a perfect example of people doing the same thing over and over because that’s how they’ve always done it. When we take the time to get out of our comfort zone, there’s so much we can accomplish.
Lisa recently posted..4 Ways to Make Change Easier
Thanks for the advice, Lisa. I know things I am doing are not working, but I am too busy doing them that I can’t turn away long enough to see how I need to change. I’m going to see what I need to do.
Ann recently posted..How to Get More Clients : Seven Slick Suggestions
It takes only a little time each day to change one thing that isn’t working. Even if you don’t make a complete change, you can take a few steps in the right direction. I understand what you mean about being too busy. I’ve had to force myself to stop and change direction a few times and do certain things differently.. Change isn’t easy, but making changes can make a huge difference in the success of most businesses.
Lisa recently posted..4 Ways to Make Change Easier
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for these simple, but powerful steps to change. I want to expand on #3 a bit.
It’s commonly believed that we procrastinate to make change because of fear. Sometimes, however, I’ve discovered that I was hesitating to make a change because I wasn’t fully committed to it. When I faced that I didn’t want to make that particular move, I gave myself permission to abandon it. That freed me up to discover the step or change that I did believe in. It was only then that I could move forward.
Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. recently posted..What to Do When You Get Stuck–Free on 9/7/12 and 9/8/12
I think one of the challenges people face when wanting to make change is that they become stuck because they focus on the risks. A great way to deal with this is to look at the flip side and to ask oursleves “what am I risking if I don’t make this change?”
Ali Davies recently posted..Easy Way to Boost Productivity and Improve Time Management
That’s the perfect question to ask! It definitely makes you realize what you could lose by doing the same thing day after day. Change is scary but not changing can be even more scary.
Lisa recently posted..Make Your Natural Working Style Work For You