Serious about change? Give up your security blanket and reach those cherished New Year’s goals.
If you’re really ready to change, you’ll answer yes to the following questions. If you find yourself answering, “Yes, but…,” you’re still bucking, resisting and fearing change and probably at a standstill. Work toward changing your negative beliefs into positive action.
1. I deserve to have what I desire most in life right now.
2. I’ll put in any work necessary to make my dreams come true.
3. I’ll adopt good habits to promote my future happiness and present satisfaction.
4. I’ll let go of any relationship, no matter how comfortable it might be, if it isn’t good for me.
5. I’ll go into the unknown and acquire new skills, or seek out a different job, if it means I’ll feel less stressed and be more relaxed.
6. I’ll tackle my fears of being too selfish, too negative or too stuck in a communication rut to reach my heartfelt goals.
7. I’m willing to become more realistic about money, and to live within my financial means to achieve peace of mind.
8. As a sexual being, I’m eager to create an exciting sex life that is ultimately gratifying to my partner and me.
9. As a spiritual being, I’ll freely let go of bulky resentment baggage — against parents, lovers and friends — to experience relationship healing and grace.
10. I’m willing to build a closer relationship with God, one that makes me feel increasingly confident to love and be loved.
WATCH THOSE EXCUSES FALL TO THE WAYSIDE
My favorite change alibi is “BUT I’ve done IT for so long, I doubt I can do anything to change it now!” And true, I usually need the help of outside experts or coaches to encourage me to “keep on changing” when I impatiently get down on myself. We are all programmed to feel fear, skepticism and doubt when we try on new behaviors for size. So, what’s your point?
ABOUT DAYTON, OHIO, EXECUTIVE COACH, MARRIAGE PSYCHOLOGIST AND PROFESSIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT DR. DENNIS O’GRADY
Dr. Dennis O’Grady, Psy.D., is a Dayton-based professional speaker, business consultant and relationship coach. O’Grady is the author of “Taking the Fear out of Changing” … “No Hard Feelings” … and “Talk to Me: Communication Moves To Get Along With Anyone.” You can read his article on “Change Maxims for 2006” here. O’Grady’s New Year’s resolution: “Have a New Year instead of repeating the same old one!” Dr. O’Grady also believes that when you’re driving down the road less traveled and your wheels are knocked off your blue Empathizer or burnt orange Instigator communicator car — you can still get going again with a little help from your professional friends.