It is easy to make a decision to change something in life and often difficult to follow through with that decision. The difficulty in follow through comes not from the need to act, rather it is the ability to maintain the action that facilitates the desired changes. For example, if the decision is to lose 10 pounds, well that’s easy. Now you must act on the decision, so you change your diet to reduce carbs. Most often times not much happens immediately and there are no real results. It can take several weeks or even months to see the results of the change in diet. The same is true with exercise, it takes time to see the results of increased exercise.
The question is how to maintain the action over the long-term? I believe there are three factors that must exist for change to be sustained for the long term. First, there must be a real desire to make the change. One must believe that the change is for the greater good. Second, the change must be for the individual. If it is not for the individual not change can be sustained for the long-term. Third is a psychological piece, there must be some small wins or evidence that there is progress. If there is no evidence of progress, then it is too easy to revert back to the old state.
One of the best ways to start a change that can be maintained over the long-term is to start small. Think of it in the smallest possible increment and act on that. By using the example to lose 10 pounds, which could be challenging, what would happen if I reframe the thought to simple stop eating candy. It might help the process and I don’t have to stop entirely, I just need to stop for today. If I can do it today, then tomorrow, then the next day and so on. I have begun to change. Then after that is comfortable and the new norm, I can add to the change. By not eating candy for a day, that is my win. The win must be recognized and rewarded by acknowledgement.
Making changes and sustaining them is really a process of decision, action, and recognition. Change takes time and needs to be nurtured. Be patient with changes.