Having a limiting mindset can anchor you to the ground. However, if you want to move forward in your life, you need to be open to changing parts of it. Within this guide, we take a look at why elements of change can improve your wellness and how to get started.
No matter what part of your life needs transformation, here’s the advice you need. But first, why is change important?
Change leads to greater happiness (and wellness)
Are you resistant to change? Do you fear the unknown? Chances are, you’re not alone.
If you’ve walked the same path for years, you may be scared of trying anything new. While your current route isn’t serving you, you’re unsure of where other routes may take you.
The truth is that there is power in change. Committing yourself to doing something differently could improve your wellness. It’s all about taking that big leap of faith.
Research published in the Review of Economic Studies suggests that people who choose change are happier and more assured of their decision than those who play it safe.
If you feel as though you are stuck in a rut, it will have a negative effect on your wellness. You may find that it brings you down, means that you lack energy, and stops you from leading the life you truly desire. For that reason, you have to keep moving and looking for change.
Why you should know about the elements of change
You can’t work toward positive change until you know how to do it. For instance, you may have a dream to live a debt free life. However, without a solid action plan, you have no way of reaching that goal.
Learning about the elements of change will help you create one.
Once you are familiar with these elements, you can start to apply them to all areas of your life. Think of them as your signposts — guiding the way when you want to change things.
The sooner you educate yourself on them, the easier it will be to take the first steps.
The 5 elements of change and how to use them
Let’s take a look at some of the elements of change you need. Think of the following list as the ingredients you should have if you want to start moving.
You can use them to motivate and inspire your journey — regardless of where you’re starting from. Here are our top five:
1. Clear vision of the future
Making rash decisions will get you nowhere fast. You need to know what you want to change in order to do it.
Research shows that goal-setting is important when it comes to time management. Before you can start changing your fate, you need to know what that entails. Picture yourself five years from now — where is it that you want to be?
Tip: Write down your long-term goals
Not sure where to start? You may find that it is helpful to write things down or even create a vision board. Whatever works for you.
Tracking your goals is the best way to reach them. Set aside some time to consider what your vision of the future looks like and set targets.
Do this by writing down your goals so you know what you need to do, and what order to complete your goals.
2. Make yourself (and others) happy
There is nothing wrong with chasing happiness. However, one of the largest mistakes that people make is only considering their own emotions.
When you’re looking to use elements of change in your life, you need to understand where contentment in life comes from.
Research suggests that true happiness comes from giving to others. When your goals are self-serving, you may find that you lose interest in them faster than you might imagine. Flip the narrative.
If you have others relying on you — to help them or bring them joy — you might find you are more motivated to work hard and make those changes.
Tip: Volunteer at a local community group
If you want to improve the lives of others — while also making yourself happy! — you may want to consider volunteering.
Why not look for some opportunities in your neighborhood? You could help the elderly, start fundraising for a cause, or even look after animals.
3. Create a plan and check-in
Now that you know what you want from life, you need to make a plan.
You already have your core vision in mind. What steps should you take to get there?
You need to stay consistent if you want to achieve your dreams. Make a plan that works with your schedule. This is one of the most important elements of change.
Tip: Add deadlines to your micro-targets
You cannot merely say you want to reach a goal. You need to design the route to get there too.
When you have highlighted the micro-targets along the way, give each one an appropriate deadline and stick to it.
For example, if the first step to finding a new job is “revamp my resume,” make sure that has an achievable deadline tied to it.
4. Celebrate the small victories
Change won’t happen overnight. You need to stay motivated every step of the way.
When you are making your plan, consider how you will celebrate each small victory along the way.
Tip: Plan your rewards in advance
Don’t just reward yourself sporadically. When you’re making your action plan, tie in some rewards.
For example, if you're looking for a job, when you first get an interview, you could plan to make a nice home-cooked meal afterward. You can add each of these bonuses to your plan.
5. Reflect on how far you’ve come
Life is a journey. One of the most crucial elements of change is reflection. When you are living your day-to-day life, you may rarely reflect on how far you have already come.
Tip: Write down your journey so far
You might be feeling unsatisfied with your life. It happens to the best of us. However, have you considered how much has already changed for you?
Think back 10 or 20 years. Things were extremely different for you. What have you learned in that time?
Get a pencil and some paper and try to list the positive things that have changed over time. This exercise allows you to see — in retrospect — how fast your life can change and improve.
Leverage these elements of change to make a positive difference in your life!
Stop hesitating and start moving. Now that you’re well-versed in the main elements of change, it’s time to transform any area of your life that you please.
You now have the tools that you need to truly make a difference. Don’t waste them. Think about the ways that you can alter the parts of your life that are no longer serving you and pursue your goals and dreams more effectively.