Change is hard!
Understanding and improving our brain health is an uphill battle.
When it comes to making changes, you must have a plan. Regardless of whether you are the planning type or someone who prefers to wing it, you need some type of roadmap. Let’s face it: it is hard enough to take steps in the right direction when we know what to do next.
So why put off the preparation stage?
Maybe the whole idea of what you are trying to change is a bit overwhelming. It could be that you like the idea of change, but when it comes down to it, you lack the patience. For some people, doubt is so strong that they fail to get anything going.
Whatever your reason, it’s time to get down to business.
If you remember, in the past several weeks, we have discussed the stages of change.
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Make the decision to change
- Preparation
No matter what you are trying to change, if you don’t spend adequate time in preparation, you will fail.
You won’t change your behavior if you skip past preparation.
Science knows it, and Scripture confirms it, too.
“Be ready (Matthew 24:44 Esv),
“Always be prepared” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV),
“Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2 ESV).
What is your next step?
- If you already know what you want to change, write down five things you need to do to make that change happen. This could be tools, support, accountability, or lifestyle changes.
- If you don’t know what you want to change, then write down five things you want to change. Then ask yourself what one of the five would have the greatest impact on your life?
The key is to spend some time in preparation for change. Create yourself a roadmap.
P.S. Don’t try to change too much at once. Focus on one behavior, habit, or area of growth.
