WARNING: Don’t Make Big Changes in 2010!

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."

 

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Darlene Mininni

About Darlene Mininni

Dr. Darlene Mininni is the author of The Emotional Toolkit, a contributor to Dr. Drew’s TV show Lifechangers and host of The Emotional Toolkit series on XM radio. She is the creator of UCLA’s happiness course LifeSkills, a class so popular applications jumped from 30 to 700 in 18 months. She was also the founder and artistic director of UCLA’s Kaleidoscope Self-Help Theatre. Dr. Mininni is a sought-after speaker and her advice has been featured on CNN, PBS, FOX, NPR, SELF, COSMO, Marie Claire, Woman’s Day, Ladies Home Journal, WebMD and Prevention. Using a mix of psychology, neuroscience and behavior change strategy, Dr. Mininni consults with organizations, corporations and individuals looking to bolster their success and well-being. For more information, go to Emotionaltoolkit.com or follow her at Facebook.com/DrDarlene Mininni

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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!