"Shrinking The Change"

Have you ever really thought about the phrase "raising the bar?" In business or in creating a healthy lifestyle thinking like this is all wrong and will usually lead to frustration. I should know, as I have been here many times myself. When raising the bar too high and not seeing instant gratification causes me to loose focus on the long-term plan and to think beyond the frustration point. Many of us including myself need the reassurance that even the smallest steps I take are on the right path. So how can we put raising the bar in reverse and still be able to successfully make change?

I know this may sound unfamiliar to many of us, but don't you think sometimes by lowering the bar, or at the least minimize the efforts in getting over the bar by using baby steps will ensure us all to become and stay more motivated? So really we should all be thinking of ways to shrink the changes we need to make in order to succeed. Whether it's changing the way we eat, exercise or even take on new challenges/tasks in our everyday lives, everyone wants to believe change is possible. You will never hear anyone brag about how easy a change was or even really discuss why something they are doing is working so well. Instead of pointing out all the things you could be doing, doing better or more efficient, try focusing on what is going right and keep replicating those moves. Stop over analyzing on the issues and start emphasizing on the bright lights.

Our behaviors are contagious. If you are determined to shrink the changes in your life you will need include other like-minded people to help you in your approach. Include your family and co-workers and encourage each other to send one another messages of approving or disapproving behaviors. By having a group of people on your side will help you to believe in yourself and the support for change becomes easier to handle. It's all psychological when you think about it. If we knew that what we were already doing was leading us down the right path, but all we needed to do was just a little bit more it would be much easier to handle the change all together and being part of the way there feels much better than starting from the beginning.

Ask yourself am I being too hard on myself? Have I set my goals to high? If your struggling to change it's not because you are not working hard or trying, it usually just means you have worn yourself out mentally on trying. Just remember what ever change you are wanting to make in your life the journey can be more simplified if you just believe and set a clear path to follow. Don't just tell yourself you want to eat healthier, but rather educate yourself on how to be healthier such as I will learn to eat more fruits, vegetables and grains because it's better for me than the processed potato chips. Small, steady, changes will reap GREAT rewards. It may not seem like it as you are going through the motions, but one day you will wake up and realize sticking to the plan was well worth the time and commitment involved. The old phrase "Rome was not built in a day" is so true to any change. Don't get hung up in fads or short cuts as this approach never is on the path to success and will only leave you feeling empty and insecure.

Ultimately big changes can and will happen with the right attitude, strategy, support and can all be accomplished with little pain. Just remember to stay motivated, set a clear path to follow and finally embrace the great things you are already doing!