As a coach at The Covenant Group, a significant aspect of my role is guiding individuals to think better and subsequently act better.
However, a common challenge in this process is the necessity for change.
Clients often need to change in some way.
Here are five actionable steps you can take to increase the likelihood of making a change in your life:
- Focus on changing one thing at a time
Recognize that everything starts small. Whether it’s hiring your first assistant, investing in a CRM, or developing and executing a marketing plan, the key is to begin.
Remember that all progress starts with small steps. Consider the example of Google, which began with only ten employees. Today it is one of the biggest companies in the world. Everything starts small.
By focusing on doing a few things exceptionally well instead of spreading yourself too thin, your concentrated efforts will compound over time and yield significant results.
- Build your support system
Establish a support system comprising your team, family, or a community you belong to.
We all require support and accountability from those in our social circles. Often, we hesitate to ask for help or hold others accountable, fearing vulnerability. However, asking for assistance is an act of bravery.
By proactively constructing a support system of individuals who can provide guidance and hold us accountable to our goals and aspirations, we set ourselves up for success.
- Avoid relying solely on self-control or willpower
Falling into the trap of relying solely on self-control or willpower can hinder progress.
Many successful athletes credit their achievements to discipline, but as James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits,” explains, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Instead, focus on building effective systems. By developing systems that support your desired change, you will outperform competitors who rely solely on willpower.
- Design your habitat
In the previous point, we emphasized the importance of designing effective systems. Taking it a step further, consider designing your environment or your habitat.
The saying “you are the sum of the closest people to you” reflects the impact of your environment. Consuming negative social media content pollutes your environment, just as purchasing unhealthy food affects your surroundings by making it easier to make poor choices.
Whether consciously or unconsciously, you are always designing your environment. To elevate your performance, intentionally design your habitat to align with your goals.
- Develop an implementation plan
Create a concrete plan of action. Bias yourself toward action, even if it means taking imperfect steps.
Begin moving toward your goal and establish an implementation plan that addresses potential obstacles.
Obstacles will inevitably arise, and our role is to anticipate and plan for them. By doing so, you increase your chances of overcoming hurdles along the way.
By following these five steps, you can enhance your ability to make meaningful changes in your life and achieve the desired outcomes.