HJ: The only constant in life is change and yet change can be difficult for us, mainly because it forces us to move outside our comfort zone and venture into the unknown. Not only have we likely not yet had the experiences we are embarking on, but we may or may not have the skills to deal with or accomplish whatever is we are trying to do.
However, there are many things you can do to make the transition smooth and rather effortless, even if you have never done anything similar or comparable. And there are ways to break through the momentum of your old life and start creating the new, that only require a small amount of daily effort.
In the article below, hypnotherapist Peter Field offers his sage wisdom in this area for helping you make big, positive change in your life effortless.
– Truth
4 Simple Steps to Reinventing Your Life
By Peter Field | Huffington Post | The Chi of Change
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Do you feel like pressing the reset button when it comes to your life?
So many people wish they could make a significant change with regard to their personal relationships, appearance, character or career. In a nutshell, they wish they could hit a button and simply change the game.
When we take a close look at people we define as successful, we often discover that they have in fact reinvented themselves on more than one occasion.
Some constantly appear to recreate themselves, staying fresh and full of surprises. How were they able to reset? Change the perception of their character? Their career pathway? Or, their personal brand? In simple terms, they sought out and embraced change in one or more areas of their lives when needed.
If you are serious about reinventing yourself, you need to be prepared for and ready to embrace change. The four steps outlined below will empower you to reinvent yourself in whatever capacity you desire.
1. Imagine or Visualize
Imagination is the language of the most powerful part of our mind — the subconscious. Whereas the conscious mind analyses and doubts, the subconscious feels and believes. It is the wellspring of our creative faculties. When we use our imagination we can tap into this creative part of our self and influence our inner beliefs. And when we change our beliefs then we change our reality.
Find a quiet, relaxing space and spend time in exercising the power of your imagination. It’s important to have a clear vision of the outcome or change you want to achieve in each or in any of these instances. Don’t spend too long on this. Just enough to know what it is that you really want.
Think of the people, places or circumstances that you wish to change and choose one thing to work on. What about your current career path do you wish were different? Is there something about your character or personality you would like to alter? What mistakes have you made personally or professionally that you can rectify, resolve and learn from?
Then, imagine. If you are a visual person use this ability — or if you’re not, then imagine in any way you like the outcome you want. Focus on the smallest of details. Put yourself in the picture as vividly as you can and look out or feel it as if you are already there.
For example, if one of your goals is to change careers, think not only about the new job title or career pathway, but specifically where you wish to work, who you would like to work with and what you would be doing each day.
Details are important during this kind of exercise. Imagine what it would be like and how it would feel to be living in this new circumstance. See yourself there, look out through your own eyes — make it panoramic — see what you see, notice what you hear, and allow yourself to feel great now that you’ve accomplished your transformation.
This is no Walter Mitty exercise, no simple daydream. You may not have the precise knowledge of how you can achieve your goal yet, but if you vividly imagine yourself there then you’re on your way. “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said Einstein, displaying a real understanding of the subconscious.
You’ve heard it before: in order to achieve you must believe, and imagining yourself in this situation, this position, can program the mind to take you there.
No resting on your laurels. Upward and forward!
2. Write it Down
Too often, people have a goal in their mind but they fail to articulate it into a written plan they can follow. Incorporate not only some of the imagery and concepts discovered during the previous exercise, but include time frames in your written diary or goal planner. Break it down into small ‘tangible’ chunks.
For example, if your goal is to reinvent your career, what would you like to be doing and by what date? If you have more than one area in which you would like to reinvent yourself, write each down then prioritize them in the order of importance — most to least. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Focus on one goal, one change at a time. Begin by working on the top priority items.
Once you have identified the area in which you are to focus your attention, build an action plan. Define milestones, workable steps and action items between your starting point and your end point. At each checkpoint, compare your progress against your goal. If you are on track, reward yourself and continue onward. If you fall behind or get off course, simply rework your plan and adjust accordingly. Persistence is key.
3. Create Prompts or Reminders
Many of us require on going motivational prompts when working on a plan or goal. A good way to is to create written reminder cards, cut out magazine pictures, or print off motivational quotes and place them in areas you frequent often: on your desk or computer, on your bathroom mirror, in your car and on your home’s refrigerator.
Also, consider creating a vision board for each reinvention area of focus. Your vision board should capture every aspect of where you would like to be as a result of your reinvention. Post words, pictures, phrases and anything you come across that helps to complete a representation of your goal. Place the board in an area that you will see throughout your day, such as your office, or the room you use most often at home.
4. Ask for Help
One of the best ways to improve your powers of reinvention is to ask for help. Share your reinvention plan with mentors, your boss, your spouse or partner, friends and families. Ask for feedback regarding your plan. Are there areas that need further definition or refinement? Do they have suggestions on where you can improve your plan? Feedback is essential, particularly when working on areas involving emotion. While your plan may be perfect, it never hurts to gain a second opinion and some objective outside perspective from those you trust.
Also, give others permission to hold you accountable during the process. Ask them to note your plan’s milestones or check points in their calendar and, if appropriate, schedule a brief meeting or conversation to review results. When you feel discouraged, reach out and ask for help. Here a life coach, counselor, or therapist may be of real value. Don’t forget, so many successful people have mentors.
Because you are a human being, you can reinvent yourself again and again throughout your life — provided you put your mind to work for you in the task. Regardless of the past or of the present, you have the power to change who you are, who others believe you are, your personal circumstances, or your career path.
Combining your desires with your imagination and systematically working through your reinvention plan, you can change your life to almost any direction you desire. Follow these four simple steps and make it happen!
Peter Field is a UK registered psychotherapist, nutritionist, and board certified hypnotherapist. His new book The Chi of Change focuses on the fascinating world of hypnotherapy.
