SALT LAKE CITY — In my previous article I shared a few reasons why we hesitate to change. In this post enjoy these fives ways to make it happen.

Find the why

Until you know why, from your core, that you’re achieving a particular goal, it won't have staying power. If you simply write “Lose 20 pounds” you will likely find yourself at the freezer with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s within a week.

Instead, give it meaning. Write “Lose 20 pounds to lower my diabetic risk” or “Lose 20 pounds by our anniversary cruise” for clear motivation and visualization.

Author Joseph Assaraf says that visualization is vital because your subconscious mind doesn’t know it is only in your imagination. When you act upon the visualization it can change the course of your life.

Tether it to your life vision

Take time to create a personal life vision or purpose because this connects goals to your big picture. Brainstorm what matters most to you, your ideal life, the kind of person you want to become, etc. As you write these specific thoughts, you'll often discover your goals already within them.

Set juicy goals

Related:

The 3 obstacles to change (and how to overcome them)

While January is typically the month for change, amidst the chatter on how to make it happen we might overlook what keeps us from starting.

Set goals that aren't boring, rote, or sawdusty, rather write goals that matter and in a language that's fun and fabulous, such as, “I can't wait to carve out one hour a day to write a book.” This is the same timeframe Joseph Heller used to write his best-selling book "Catch-22."

Create accountability

It doesn't matter how one creates accountability — online, in-person, with a friend, or even by text. Knowing someone is following his or her choices keeps someone making the right ones. Last summer I did a fitness challenge. It was in June and July (possibly the worst time to do such, excepting maybe December).

Although hesitant to blog the experience, I decided to utilize the accountability factor. Thank goodness I did. Due to sleep-deprivation from being up with my baby I was ready to quit by Week 3. However, knowing that women were responding to it kept me focused and creative in achieving my goals.

Enjoy a personal reward

We are not just achieving a goal, but also recreating neural pathways, which can take up to two years to change. It's vital to create a positive neuro-association with regard to goal-setting.

To make it simple, use small, medium, or large rewards not just for completed goals but even for your solid efforts. For example: small (take a bath, read a book); medium (take a class, buy an outfit); or big (take a trip, join a hobby group). As you reward the good, goals will become a happy thought and not a boring must-do.

Try one or all of these secrets to create a personal change.

Connie Sokol is an author, presenter, TV contributor and mother of seven. Contact her at www.conniesokol.com. For a free Life Vision worksheet email me@conniesokol.com.

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