Six Tips to Help You Facilitate Change

Throughout my life, I have seen people who want to make a change but are scared to do so or don't know where or how to begin. They remain in toxic relationships because they have children with their partner/spouse, they hold on to jobs they are miserable with because they receive a steady paycheck and benefits, etc. There are many reasons why people don't move on or pursue what makes them happy. Unfortunately, this prevents them from living their ideal life. If you want to make a change but are feeling stuck, this article provides six tips that can help you to move forward and create the change you desire and deserve.



1. It is important to remember that anything is possible. We have all heard the "rags to riches" stories or read books like "The Secret." Regardless of what you have heard, seen, or read, the bottom line is if you want something bad enough, you will find a way to make it happen. Never let anyone tell you that something is not possible; they may not have sufficient knowledge or resources, or they just may not believe in you. As long as you believe in yourself and understand that you can create whatever you want, then you will succeed.



2. List and prioritize the positive changes you want to create in your life. Although you can make as many changes as you identify, it is important to prioritize what you want to change first, second, etc. This will ensure that you are devoting the necessary time, energy, and resources to making those changes which are most important for your growth and development, personally and/or professionally.



3. Be aware of the options you have available to execute change. What is the best way to approach the change you desire? Talk to friends or family members, read books or conduct research to explore your options and the advantages and disadvantages of each. The more knowledge you have, the more powerful you will be in successfully implementing your change.



4. Construct a work plan to monitor your progress in making a desired change, as change generally involves a series of steps. Your work plan should include goals and objectives. Each goal can reflect one change that you want to make. The objectives under each goal are the action steps that you will take to move towards the change you desire. Avoid trying to do too much at one time; instead, take small steps. Each objective under a goal should clearly state what the action step is and when you will complete it. A work plan is an excellent tool to use in measuring your progress toward those changes you want to make.



5. Don't give up; hold on to your dream. Often times, people get frustrated because the change they desire is taking too much time or energy. Although this is perfectly normal, don’t allow your frustration to result in inactivity or apathy. If you are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, talk to a family member or friend. Or, consider the possibility of hiring a coach, as they are trained to help individuals resolve issues, achieve goals, and make changes.



6. Celebrate your achievements along the way. For every action step you complete in your work plan, give yourself a pat on the back. Share your accomplishments with your family members and friends. It will not only demonstrate the progress you have made in a certain area, but it will also empower you to continue moving toward your goal(s).



In summary, always believe that you can change anything in your life, if your desire is strong enough. Identify and prioritize the changes you want to make in your life; explore all options to find the best way to implement your change; develop a work plan that will aid in monitoring the completion of your goals; remember not to give up, no matter how slow your progress may seem; and celebrate your achievements along the way. The end result will be worth all of your efforts.



Copyright 2010 © Sharon L. Mikrut, All rights reserved.



If you want to make positive changes in your personal and/or professional life, then working with Executive & Life Coach, Sharon L. Mikrut, is the solution. Although her specialty is in partnering with nonprofit executive directors and managers to maximize their resources in a competitive environment, she is passionate about working with all individuals committed to personal and/or professional growth. Visit her website (http://www.createitcoaching.org), Empowerment blog (http://www.createitcoaching.net), or Nonprofit Professionals blog (http://www.createitcoaching.com), and sign up for her free life coaching or nonprofit newsletter.