WARNING: Don’t Make Big Changes in 2010!

By on January 2, 2010 in Happiness

It’s a new year (and a new decade), and if you’re like lots of people, you want to make big changes for 2010. Maybe you want a new job, better health or love. Whatever your plan, STOP! That’s right. Stop right now.

That’s because when you make giant and sudden changes in your life — like go cold-turkey with your TV habit or cut out all sugar– it’s hard to stick with it. Your psyche is used to the way things were, and just like a toddler who wants her way, if you change everything too fast, she rebels!

If you want change that’s lasting and easier to create, try these tips:

3 Ways to Make Lasting Change

1. Take Baby Steps Little changes over time add up to big results. Ask yourself, "What one action can I take to change my life?" If you want to reduce your stress, start with a simple change like: add one hour of sleep a night or shift one recurring negative thought like, "I’m stuck," to a realistic thought like, "I’m figuring this out."

2. Think Small Want to make a big change? Make a small shift. Getting healthy feels like a big undertaking, but taking a 20-minute walk on your lunch break is pretty manageable. Small and steady wins the race!

3. Focus on Today’s Plan A big goal–like finding a job–can seem daunting. Instead of fixating on the end, wake up each day with a daily plan you can easily accomplish such as: "Today I will write my resume," or "Tomorrow I’ll set up a coffee meeting with Terry."

 

About Darlene Mininni

DR. DARLENE MININNI is the author of The Emotional Toolkit (St Martins Press), former producer and host of the Sunday morning radio show The Dr. Darlene Mininni Show on KTLK in Los Angeles and the contributing host of The Emotional Toolkit Series on XM radio. Her advice has been featured on national television, radio and print media including CNN, PBS, NPR FOX, Woman’s Day, SELF, Marie Claire, COSMO, Ladies Home Journal, WebMD and Prevention. Dr. Mininni is the creator of UCLA’s award-winning happiness course, LifeSkills, a class so popular applications jumped from 30 to 700 in just 18 months. She was also the founder and artistic director of UCLA’s Kaleidoscope Self-Help Theatre. Through her organization Trait-20 Consulting, Dr. Mininni works privately with individuals looking to create both inner and outer success in their lives. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Masters degree in Public Health. For more information, visit www.EmotionalToolkit.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrDarleneMininni
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3 Responses to WARNING: Don’t Make Big Changes in 2010!

  1. yumi January 1, 2010 at 10:28 pm #

    Agreed wholeheartedly. I am a huge fan of baby steps!

  2. yogagirl0918 January 2, 2010 at 12:43 pm #

    So true!

    Thanks 4 sharing!!

    Have a blessed 2010!!!

  3. Femfatal January 2, 2010 at 1:34 pm #

    Thanks form the advice, baby steps is affirmed! slow and steady wins the race!