Have you had enough of your current life or do you want to change something in particular about yourself? You can make the decision to revolutionize your existence today: it will be the first step in learning to live in a more peaceful and rewarding way. Sometimes, you just have to roll up your sleeves instead of accumulating dreams in the drawer without lifting a finger to fulfill them. Making a big change in a matter of hours is generally not possible, but at least you can define the right path to get to the finish line. To get started, you can take several actions, including gathering ideas, setting goals, and taking the first steps towards your goal. Read on to find out how to change your life in a matter of hours.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Writing a Plan
Step 1. Think about your long-term goals
What are the goals you intend to achieve? Imagine where you will be 10 years from now. Do you want to have your own home? Do you want to manage the company where you work now? Do you want to get married and have children? Consider whether you are moving in the right direction to achieve your long-term goals. If not, you need to identify the aspects that need to be changed.
Step 2. Find out what you would like to change
Sometimes, when a change is really big and frightening, you don't even want to contemplate it. However you can do something about it right now. Get a pen and paper. Gather your ideas and answer the following questions as spontaneously as possible. Don't dwell on grammar, spelling or punctuation, just write.
- What is working in your life right now? List the positive aspects of your current existence. To make a change, you need to be aware of what you value, not just what you hate, so you don't end up destroying the good things you have. You can also make a list of some of your strengths, so you know what to draw on as you go through the change.
- What do you want to change about your life? Do you hate your job? Is your marriage unhappy? List what really hurts you day in and day out.
- Choose the 3-5 main things you would like to change. Again, do it quickly, without dwelling too long. Write down the steps you can take to make changes. Don't think about it too much: you will have enough time to work out the details later.
Step 3. Read everything you have written
At this point, you will have created a general and personal map that will guide the change. Over time, you can refine it. For now, you have defeated that feeling of despair and confusion that has always prevented you from turning the page, you have transformed it into a concrete step. Reread what you wrote to fix it in your mind and start working towards these goals.
Step 4. Break the larger goals on the list into small, concrete steps
Having a purpose, like becoming a millionaire, is a great long-term project, but it doesn't define specific steps to implement. To arrive at a destination, you have to divide the route into realistic stages. For example, if you want to become a millionaire, you could break the goal into more manageable steps, like opening a checking account or asking for a pay raise. These steps will help you get closer to the finish line and make it more doable.
- Turn general sentences into concrete statements. For example, instead of writing something generic, like "Finding my passion", choose a feasible and specific action. Instead, you can write: "Go to a professional counselor" or "Take an aptitude test".
- Turn big projects into small actions. For example, instead of writing "Find a new job", break the goal into steps like "Update your resume", "Create a LinkedIn profile", "Search for new companies" or "Write a resignation letter".
Step 5. Do something to get closer to the final goal
After reviewing the actions to be implemented, define what you can easily accomplish in 48 hours and get to work. Carry out all the small actions you can complete in 48 hours to start walking the right path towards change. Here are some examples:
- To get out of an unhappy relationship: Talk to your partner, find a new place to stay, pack your bags to leave, or ask your friends to help you move.
- To get healthier: Throw out all the junk food you have in your pantry, join the gym, talk to someone who can lean on you, or buy a new pair of sneakers.
- To move to a new city: Find an apartment in a neighborhood you like, put your current home up for sale, start throwing out things you don't want to take with you, or share the good news with friends and family.
Part 2 of 3: Feeling Motivated
Step 1. Try to always have the target in sight
Constantly remember the final goal; for example, you can stick a post-it on the fridge or set a themed wallpaper on your computer. This helps you not to lose sight of the goal. Always keeping the goal in mind, you will encourage yourself to make choices that will bring you closer to the realization of your dreams.
Step 2. Make a commitment to constantly work to cross the finish line until you really succeed
It is important to be determined to fulfill your dream from the moment you express it and to reconfirm it every time you stumble. Keeping your promise will help you keep track of it and make you want to work hard.
For example, you could write and sign a contract with yourself, in which you take responsibility for doing certain actions (daily or weekly) in order to complete the project
Step 3. Start writing a journal or blog to track your progress
Putting the path in black and white can be an ideal tactic to keep motivation high. A journal can help you privately express any thoughts about this new experience, while a blog allows you to share it with others. Decide which method you prefer and start writing right away.
You can use the diary to write down your thoughts and emotions about the change you intend to make, to list the actions you want to carry out each day or simply to write down everything that goes through your head
Step 4. Visualize the day you will reach the goal
Visualization is a powerful tool that can motivate you to make the long-awaited change. Take about 10 minutes each day to think about what it will be like to cross the finish line. Imagine what will happen, people's reactions and your feelings.
Step 5. Always think positive
Being optimistic can help you achieve the goals you set yourself also thanks to your serenity. The happier you are, the more you will feel capable of crossing the finish line. Encourage yourself to focus on positivity, get rid of pessimism. If you find yourself being critical, or notice this attitude among the people around you, think about how to reverse the trend.
- Around the house, leave some encouraging notes to make you smile when you least expect it. Write sentences like "You are great!" or "Keep it up!" it can give you that little push you need from time to time.
- Spend time on activities that make you happy, sharing them with those people that make you feel good. Go to the mall with your best friend or go see a movie with your sweetheart.
Step 6. Reward yourself
Promising yourself rewards is another way to keep motivated. Simple things like giving yourself a new dress after losing 5 kg are enough to make a difference and encourage you to be constant on the path. Choose wholesome gratifications that you can afford from every point of view. When you reach a goal, you need to make sure you reward yourself right away.
Part 3 of 3: Coping with the Changes
Step 1. Tidy up the environment around you
Nothing can lighten your head like getting rid of the things holding you back. Ask yourself if you really need books you don't care about, DVDs you never watch, or clothes you don't wear anymore. Getting rid of junk cleans and opens up new spaces, not only in your home, but also in your mind.
- Start with your desk, bedroom, purse, digital distractions, or any other junk. Start from a corner or shelf in your room, or examine a stack of papers to decide which ones to keep.
- Try to come up with solutions to avoid finding yourself immersed in disorder again. For example, make a commitment to tidy up the house for 20 minutes a day.
Step 2. Take care of yourself
Proper personal care goes hand in hand with making any successful transition. It's a way of saying to yourself, "You are really important and I'm taking the time to heal what really matters." Plus, it's a strategy to approach your new life more safely. Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly to feel fit.
- Try to take care of the look. When was the last time you got a nice haircut or booked a manicure and pedicure? Do you need new clothes? To create a new life, it is also important to change your appearance. Investing in your exterior means investing in yourself at 360 °.
- Exercise regularly and eat healthy. When you are afraid of changing your life, it can be tempting to hide in the house and start lashing out on food to let off steam. Instead, take care of yourself. Go for a 30-minute walk every day and choose foods that are good for you.
- Get medical checks. When was the last time you went to the dentist or had blood tests done? The body may need some changes to be in top shape and usher in the new life on the right foot. You certainly don't want your health to be undermined by a problem you overlooked.
Step 3. Get support
When looking to make a big change in your life, it is essential to have a good network of support. Report to your friends and family for support during this transition period. If these changes make you feel truly anxious or depressed, join a self-help group or talk to a therapist.
If you find it appropriate and you have no problem sharing your decision, you could post a post talking about your intentions on Facebook or another social network you use often. Speaking publicly about your projects can be effective in gaining support and inviting others to encourage you to keep your commitment responsibly
Step 4. Try to be patient
Sure, you've also taken giant steps to change your life in a matter of hours, but remember that not everything happens overnight. Don't slip back into your old habits or circumstances just because you are afraid or unsure of your choices. Give yourself 6-12 months to get used to your new lifestyle.
