When you look to change something, like losing weight or feeling happier, what typically happens?

Maybe, most of the time, you're all smiles and positivity.

On the other hand, you might complain about it, fill your mind with negative beliefs, and instill fear that you’ll never be able to do it.

However, deep down in your heart, you know that’s simply not true.

You can do anything you want if you’re willing to put in the work, change your mindset, and change your habits.

Really, what I'm talking about here is behavior change.

It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to lose 20 pounds, save more money, or improve a relationship.

5 Steps to Change Your Behaviors and Beliefs

If you’re not where you want to be it's because of your behaviors and beliefs.

But, the good news? You can change anything you don’t like when you follow these five strategies.

1. Recognize the need to change

Being self-aware is one of highest skills we can learn as humans.

Self-awareness motivates us and influences how we are perceived by others.

It also impacts how things effect us and how we impact others.

That being said, if you're looking to change you first need to recognize that YOU need to change.

2. What does success look like?

What if you could wave a magic wand and, voila, you're living the perfect life. What does that look like?

And what needs to change in order to achieve this life?

Write down a clear picture of what success looks like so that you have a visual target to go after.

3. The "one thing''

What is one simple thing you can do today to start moving towards that picture you painted above?

When it comes to change, the biggest hurdle people face is they try to conquer it all.

This leads to feeling overwhelmed and, as a result, doing nothing.

Remember, doing nothing is a choice.

The solution? Do the "one" thing.

It could be going into your schedule and blocking off from 6:00 PM on, so that you can be home with your family.

It could be setting up automatic bill payments through online banking or your credit card, so you can gain newfound time by not licking stamps and manually paying bills.

Maybe it's getting your groceries delivered to your doorstep. Nearly all grocery stores offer this now for a few extra dollars. Isn't your time worth more than a few dollars?

Heck, it could be filling out an application to learn more about an award-winning age-management coaching program, so you can finally achieve your weight-loss goals.

The "one thing'' is important not because of what it is (it's going to be tied to your goal).

It's also doable because it's only one thing.

4. Set mini milestones

Depending on what you're trying to change, it's going to be a long-term journey filled with ups and downs.

My suggestion is to "play the long game" and tell everyone that you're focused on being healthy for decades versus days.

In order to keep you motivated and on track, it's important to break it down into bite-sized mini milestones.

Think of them like baby steps.

For example, if your journey includes losing 50 pounds, maybe it's showing up at the gym three times this week.

You'll be much happier when you concentrate on achieving that small goal.

5. Show up daily

I have yet to find anyone that shows up daily and does not see progress in whatever they're working on changing and improving.

It doesn't matter if it's fitness, a relationship, or life in general. It's about showing up daily and doing the best you can with the cards you're dealt that day.

There is no magic pill, there is no shortcut, there is no secret.

You must show up consistently, day after day, month after month, year after year. 

Indeed, change is hard.

But my wish is that you follow these five steps and, hopefully, it gives you some guidance on your journey.

Summary:

Your behavior and belief defines your level of success. There are five strategies for achieving desired changes: recognizing the need for change, envisioning success, focusing on one actionable step, setting mini milestones, and committing to daily effort. Consistent effort, self-awareness, and breaking down goals into manageable steps are key to successful and lasting change.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.