I watch her take copious notes all through the presentation. I wonder what she is hearing that I am not. After, I ask her what she has written down.
"Oh, lots of stuff", she says. "This guy is really good. I learnt so much from him. If I do everything he suggested my life will be everything I want it to be".
I notice the note book is well worn and full of notes. So I ask, again.
"Do you take notes at all presentations you attend?"
"Yes," she responds. "In fact, that is why I have this note book."
How organised, I think. "And do you implement all the suggestions you come by?"
"No way! It's too much. I want to, but I just don't get round to doing it.
That's the thing about making a change: you must get round to doing it. Intention doesn't count, nor does it show. In the words of Brandy's song "almost doesn't count".
What blocks you from getting round to it?
Many times you are just not ready. Perhaps you are not mentally prepared, or you are not yet convinced that it is the change you need. Could it be that you aren't ready to make the sacrifices required? Maybe you are not willing to begin afresh.
Experts identify 5 steps to change.
- If you are in pre-contemplation you are likely to say 'I have no desire to change".
- In contemplation, you might say "I know I should change", but you don't do anything about it.
- In preparation you are likely to be taking the first steps, e.g. seeking advice, reading up on the issue, learning more.
- In action, you are actively engaged in making changes.
- Finally you settle into the new behaviour or situation and it becomes your new standard.
To test how ready you are for change take this quiz.
Whatever your score, the most profound factor in changing your behaviour is your own desire to do so.
Share and Win!
Share your favourite quote about personal change on our facebook page here and stand a chance to win a hard copy of my book, "From Idea to Action: The Power of Thought"
If your post receives the highest number of likes* by Tuesday 25 Sept, you will receive the prize .
*In case of a tie, a new quote will be rquired and the highest likes in the second round wins.
