Creating Positive Change (Harnessing the Therapist in You)

Lisa Franchi May 19, 2014

In the world that’s full of fears and uncertainties, staying positive can be a tough job. We tend to fear almost everything. We fear the unknown. We fear failure. We fear trying. We even fear success. All these fears prevent us from moving forward and creating positive change.

But fears are not the only roadblocks to positive change. They may also include lack of support, trauma, negative thinking, and so on. Nevertheless, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and be able to fully and wholeheartedly embrace change.

Below are what therapists often advice their clients when it comes to creating positive change. Let’s try to be our own therapist and improve ourselves by following these tips.

Develop self-awareness.

One of the most important steps to creating change is to develop consciousness about your current situation. The logic is simple. If you’re in denial about the issue, you won’t be motivated to make any changes. It’s true, recognising the problems can be difficult. But you can seek help from the people close to you, like your friends and family. For instance, if they are saying you have a problem with expressing yourself or dealing with people, consider their words. Another way to find out your personal challenges is to make a journal. Write down your thoughts, interests, hobbies and habits daily. You will be able to see a pattern that can tell you more about yourself.

Start with small changes.

Being able to make small, meaningful changes can boost your confidence to try and pursue greater changes. For example, if you are looking to lose weight, you can start by changing your food choices, inserting at least 20 minutes of physical exercise daily, and so on. As your body gets used to a healthier lifestyle, you will find it easier to stick to a more comprehensive diet programme.

Let go of self-limiting beliefs.

Looking at your shortcomings and weaknesses can prevent you from pursuing positive changes. Don’t think you can’t change. Believe you can. Get all the support you can get. Stick to positivity. Appreciate your strengths. And keep reminding yourself that you are doing it for your own good.

Just try and try and try.

We tend to feel that if we failed to change the first time, we could never change at all. But failures to create positive changes are normal. The most important thing is that you have learned something. It’s all about learning and standing up again. Just keep trying. “It may be near though it sees afar.”

Live it.

Behave as if the change has already happen. The more you practice it, the more it gets real. Don’t wait for a sign or the right time and place to start the change. Become the change you envision. The motivation for more momentum will follow.

Creating positive change can be a difficult task but is completely possible. Hope these tips have given you insights on how to achieve the change you’ve been meaning to do all this time.