Personal change is possible but you need to get away from the “quick fix” mentality. Taking a logical approach is the best way to create lasting change.
First, one needs to understand that changing behavior takes time. A new habit takes at least 21 days of consistent repetition for it to become set. And if you take a day off during the habit formation then the next day you pick the new habit up again is day one! If the habit that you are trying to change has an addictive quality to it, like smoking or food, the habit formation period could be as long as 35 days! It is a great way to gradually change your behavior. You are the master of your own destiny. Use your personal power to create the life you wish to live.
An insight on the habit formation period is:
*Fold your arms in front of you like you normally do. This is position one. Next switch the arm that is on top. This is position two. Position two feels odd to most people. But with consistent repetition position two can feel “normal.”
The other factor that will impact how successful you are in forming the new habit is your desire and the reason you want to change. A burning desire can overcome many obstacles and a weak one will wither away. Acknowledge the reason why you want to change, write it down and visualize the results you want. Daily support is needed in your efforts to change. Perhaps the assistance of a personal coach could assist in your development. Visits to personal development websites such as this one or reading a personal development book could help solidify your path to the new you.
Don’t let a bump on your road to success deter your progress. Acknowledge what happened and move forward, just don’t look back unless you want to go that way!
MORE TIME!? Yes but……….
I want to remind you that time management is really an oxymoron. We all have the same amount of time each day. So we really cannot manage time. Time management is really self management.
Self-Management is the process of maximizing our time/energy and talents to achieve worthwhile goals. There are several things to really focus on.
Process: Self-management is ongoing; it is not something we do only once or occasionally.
Time/energy and talents: These are your unique personal resources which you alone can manage. In essence, they are all we have to offer and all we can really manage.
Goals: These are the outcomes of your efforts, your planned achievements.
So remember, time management is self management and you are the only one who can make the choices to maximize the time you have.
Self management system or none?
I don’t care if you use a paper based system or an electronic one, the point is USE ONE! If you a person with no organization system, you are a person who will continually be in the reaction mode in your life. Using a system helps focus your efforts. There are several good options available. If you are not sure which would be best for you, please contact me and I will help you figure out the best solution for your lifestyle.
If you use one, make sure you clean out your personal organizer/calendar system soon. It feels great tying up loose ends and filing them away.
Take some time in the next few days to set your goals for the year. This is not a difficult, painful or fattening process. Just something that takes some effort on your part to visualize the things, experiences that you wish to have and then to follow through with your plans. Remember that research has shown that about 5% of the population actually set goals. So put yourself ahead of the crowd and design a life that you can be excited about. There is no point living a life that is boring. Remember, even a dead fish can float down stream!
Craig Bodoh has been facilitating personal development for over twenty years. He is a strong advocate of developing personal potential through training. Over the years, Craig has used and trained numerous calendars, organizers, computer based organization systems and personal digital assistants. His company Personal Effectiveness Plus has clients in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Additionally he is a past vice president of the local chapter of the American Society for Training and Development and holds a degree in education.
You can contact him at, 414-449-5020 or timeman@earthlink.net
Craig Bodoh has been facilitating personal development for over twenty years. He is a strong advocate of developing personal potential through training. Over the years, Craig has used and trained numerous calendars, organizers, computer based organization systems and personal digital assistants. His company Personal Effectiveness Plus has clients in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Additionally he is a past vice president of the local chapter of the American Society for Training and Development and holds a degree in education.