writing for self-discovery

I like structure, or maybe not really. But I know that I get the most accomplished when I have a list or an outline guiding me through the steps of ‘what’s next?’ So after I’d made some sweeping changes in my life, I sat down and figured out exactly what it took to get from point A (undesirable place) to point B (Utopia…or at least close). This is my formula in 15 steps. And for the sake of all things saintly, don’t skip number 15! In fact, it’s a good idea to celebrate all the little successes along the way. It’s called positive reinforcement!

A STRUCTURED APPROACH TO CHANGE 

Begin with a desire for something different

MOTIVATION 

Decide what you want

DREAM/GOAL 

Devise a plan of action

STRATEGY 

Develop a timeline for your plan

SCHEDULE

Determine what you will need to achieve your goal

RESOURCES 

Identify things that stand in your way

OBSTACLES

Decide how to overcome those barriers

SOLUTIONS

Create conditions that support the desired changes

ENVIRONMENT

Identify the friends who believe in you

SUPPORT 

Make a promise to follow through until you succeed

COMMITMENT

Make a start

ACTION 

Monitor your progress

EVALUATION

Modify when necessary

ADJUSTMENT

Don’t quit when things get difficult

PERSEVERENCE 

Acknowledge your successes

CELEBRATION!