The Power to Change
By Dr. Jo Anne White

Why Bother? The ritual of making (and breaking) New Year’s resolutions has been around for some time yet what compels us to even think about doing something differently or being different? The desire to better ourselves and the capacity for personal dreaming and goal reaching are as natural to us as breathing in and out. We strive to strip away extra pounds, be more positive and caring in our key relationships, jump ahead in our careers and feel more satisfied in our lives. Yet sometimes, no matter how much we want to make changes in one area of our life, something misses and we’re sadly defeated in the first round. But that doesn’t have to be your way anymore. Here are three important tips to help you toward successful change and self-improvement that are easy to include in your busy lifestyle

Believe: You need it. Sure, you’ve heard it before. Why do so many business leaders and motivational speakers talk about its wallop? That’s simple, because it works. And you need to have it. Even if you suffer from low self-esteem or lack of drive, you can change that. And here’s how. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself in your head when you think even you’re not listening. Those silent or crashing messages tell a lot about how you feel about you. You can make up other messages or positive statements called affirmations. Say them repeatedly over and over in your mind or scribble them down on paper but refer to them often. And use your imagination to conjure up the attitude that the new beliefs you are installing in your brain like new wiring are all true. When you do, you take an important step toward personal change and personal growth that can be long-lasting.

Take Your Commitments Seriously! Think before you agree to do something and that includes the promises that you make to yourself. If you aren’t sure you can deliver to another person, whether it’s getting a report done or an evening out, don’t brag that you can. We value how others see us. When you’re known as the kind of person who is true to his word, your value increases in the eyes of others. And when that happens, you feel better about you. It’s really okay to be honest; in fact it’s a necessity in getting ahead. Consider how you want to be thought of and act accordingly even if you have to learn to say no.

Keep on Trucking: You heard about the many success stories of individuals who have never given up even in the bleakest situations. Your ability to hold tight and be persistent regardless of the odds can pay off. After careful examination and with a discerning eye, if you still decide to follow a certain course of action, do so with certainty. Follow your heart with gusto and let your enthusiasm be heard. If you’ve veered off-track, don’t wallow in self-pity and don’t beat yourself up. That’s a sure way to keep you in a tailspin. Instead, brush off your injured ego and keep on going. You’ll never wonder what could happen if you kept your dream, no matter how great or small alive.