6 Steps to Begin a Change. What Are They?

Change, doing something new, something different from what we usually do, is not always easy to do. It takes motivation that is strong at the start, so that it moves us to change. 

However, is motivation alone enough? Certainly not. We need to make a plan and strategy. What technical things do we need to prepare? In general, these are the 6 things we need to do to begin a change. 

1. Begin With a Change of Mindset

Many people want to change in their actions, without changing their mindset. Do you know that behavioral change without a changed mindset will hinder your efforts? One study shows that 80% of New Year's resolutions end in failure. This shows that change is not easy; it takes a mature and thorough plan.

So, where should you begin to change? Your mind . According to Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what the will of God is: what is good and pleasing to God and perfect.”

Let us look at yourself. Are there old mindsets that you need to change? Leaving behind a worldly mindset is the first step you need to take. Begin to put on the mind of Christ, and fill your mind with the word of God. If your mindset changes, your behavior will surely follow.

2. Focus on One Priority

Then, focus on one thing you want to achieve.

As it is written in 2 Timothy 2:4, “A soldier who is in active service does not get entangled in the affairs of daily life, so that he may please his commanding officer.” Paul instructed Timothy to focus on important things, like a soldier who only carries out his superior's orders.

Perhaps you have several targets to achieve. You long for all of them to change. However, it is far better if you focus on one thing first. Trying to do many things will divide your mind, energy, time and leave your efforts ineffective and less than optimal. On the other hand, concentrating on only one goal will increase the opportunity for you to succeed.

Do it gradually by setting your priorities, deciding which one you want to change first. Choose one thing that is the most easy, so that the result can be achieved in a shorter time. That small success will spur you on to make the next change. 

3. Set a Time Frame

Change is not instant; it requires a process. That process requires a certain amount of time to be able to bear fruit. This is because by remaining consistent as time goes by, a behavior can become a habit. Then, a habit will become a pattern.

For example, if you want to lose 5 kg. Also determine when you want to achieve it. For instance, if your target is to lose 5 kg in 5 months, then you need to focus on losing weight regularly each month by 1 kg. This means you can start building habits of exercising, eating healthy food, and building other habits to reach that target.

The Lord Himself also sets a time, how long He will do something. This can be seen when He created the heavens, the earth, and all that is in them. In Genesis 2:2 it is written, “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing, and on the seventh day He rested from all the work He had made.”

The Lord determined how many days He would create something and when He would finish. We also should do the same, namely making realistic targets for everything we do. 

When you want to do something, have you also set the time for when you want it to be finished?

4. Do It Repeatedly

We cannot reap the results of something good by doing it only once in a while. It takes consistency and perseverance until we can reap the results. 

And let perseverance have its perfect work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:4

Let us take the example of a child who is learning to walk. A child who is learning to walk has surely fallen. But he must get up again and keep practicing, until he can walk. That is also the process we must go through.

What we want to practice, must be done continuously until it becomes a habit. There may be times when you encounter failure, there are times when you face obstacles. But that is indeed the process. There is no road that is always smooth, without challenges. And change is not instant; it needs a process and of course, time. 

5. Stay Optimistic

There are times when failure and obstacles will weigh on your mind. You may be tempted to think, “Why have I failed again? When will I ever succeed?” In the middle of circumstances like this, you need to remain optimistic. Remember that change is not instant; everything takes time. 

No matter how long and what process you face, you must keep up your spirit and optimism that one day you will succeed. Keep that hope alive, so that you can continue carrying out your plans. 

When you begin to lose hope, remember why you wanted to begin. Remember again your goals and dreams. Remember the joy you will receive when you succeed. Keep persevering, praying, and doing your part. 

Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

6. Find a Mentor 

Often someone thinks they can make changes without the involvement of others. You just need to try and pray to the Lord. However, we all have blind spots, unable to see our own weaknesses. Or, we may also miss important things simply because we are new in that area. 

Therefore, in your effort to change, it is very good if you have a mentor. Proverbs 12:15 says, The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise. A mentor will help you recognize yourself and give the right advice, which will help you in your efforts. You too will be able to take appropriate action and consideration.

A mentor can also be very helpful in encouraging you again when you are weak. Choose someone who is able to give advice that is wise according to the word of God and spiritual, so that they are able to understand your soul.

It Is Time to Make a Change

Change is indeed not easy, but it is possible. And if you succeed in making a change, you too will surely feel satisfied and happy, because you succeeded in getting what you wanted. However, behind all that there is a price to be paid. It takes time, planning, effort, and even a good mindset to achieve it. Nevertheless, believe this: as long as you keep trying, you can get the best result.

So it is never too late to change. Especially since this is still the first quarter. There is still plenty of time and opportunity. However, do not waste the time you have, because time passes very quickly. Before we realize it, in an instant, we are already at the end of the year. Let us make changes together gradually but consistently. Keep the spirit!

Source: www.abccolumbia.com/2021/12/31/research-shows-80-of-people-abandon-their-new-years-resolutions-by-february -  Related Articles:

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