3 Steps to Make a Change

AND MAKE IT STICK

Step 1: Embrace Vulnerability

The first step in making lasting change is often the most challenging: embracing vulnerability. Many of us believe that we need to rely solely on our own strength to make changes. However, true transformation often begins when we open ourselves up to others.

Being vulnerable means:

• Acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers
• Being honest about our struggles and challenges
• Allowing others to see our authentic selves

When we embrace vulnerability, we create opportunities for genuine connection and support. This support system can be crucial in helping us stay accountable and motivated as we work towards our goals.

Step 2: Cultivate Self-Awareness Through Inner Reflection

The second step involves turning our gaze inward. Self-awareness is a powerful tool in the change process. It allows us to understand our triggers, recognize our patterns, and identify the underlying reasons for our behaviors.

To cultivate self-awareness:

• Practice regular self-reflection through journaling or meditation
• Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment
• Seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors

As we become more self-aware, we develop the ability to self-regulate. This means we can better manage our emotions and responses, making it easier to stick to our new habits even when faced with challenges.

Step 3: Ask for Help and Build a Support System

The final step, and perhaps the most crucial, is learning to ask for help. Many of us struggle with this, seeing it as a sign of weakness. In reality, the ability to ask for help is a strength that can significantly boost our chances of success.

When we ask for help:

• We gain access to new perspectives and ideas
• We create a network of support to lean on during difficult times
• We increase our accountability, making it more likely we’ll stick to our goals

Remember, no one achieves great things entirely on their own. Build a support system of friends, family, or professionals who can guide and encourage you on your journey.

As you work through these steps, you’ll likely find that motivation grows naturally. Each small success builds upon the last, creating a positive feedback loop that fuels your progress.