Whether you make New Year’s resolutions or not, most of us are consistently trying to foster positive change in our lives. We all have some sort of goal and want to be successful at something. I recently shared these 8 tips when I was invited to speak on a panel at an event. These are just a few things I’ve learned over the years as I’ve tried to make changes and work towards goals in my own life.
How to Successfully Make Positive Change in Your Life
1. Identify your problem, or define your challenge. What do you want to do? How do you want to change? Whether it’s your body fat percentage, or fitting into a new size, or just feeling better, try to put your finger on exactly what you are looking to accomplish.
2. Start somewhere, do something. In other words, once you know what the problem is, do your research, decide to do something about it, and get started!
3. Take it in manageable chunks. Don’t bite off more than you can chew—instead, try adding one new change, fully incorporate that into what you are doing, and then consider adding more.
4. Be willing to backtrack if necessary. In any challenge in life, there will be times where you take steps back instead of forward. Understand that this is part of the process. Embrace it and move forward.
5. Be willing to ask for advice along the way. There will always be people who are experts in their field. Don’t shy away from asking them for their advice. Be humble enough to accept what they say, incorporate it in a way that makes sense to you.
6. Never let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough. Don’t allow others to deter you from your goals.
7. Consistency will be the key to your success. Stick with it. Plug away, little by little. Work consistently on it and you will eventually accomplish your goals.
8. Your success will come with a price. Be ready to meet some resistance as your goals become reality. Understand that your success may be threatening to those around you, and be ready to lean in to the challenge!
Written by Melissa Abramovich, ACE CPT, NASM CGT, AAHFRP Medical Exercise Specialist at Elite Sports Club-River Glen
Melissa Abramovich went into Personal Training and Group Exercise instruction after successfully losing 140 pounds through healthy diet and exercise. Her desire to help others drove her forward into a career helping others to make healthier choices. She is an ACE certified personal trainer and now also a Medical Exercise Specialist (AAHFRP), helping clients with a myriad of health issues at Elite Sports Clubs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree, and many group exercise related certifications as well.