Do you want to change yourself and your life, but aren’t sure where or how to begin? The building blocks of change are generally the same in every area of life. Once you learn the fundamentals, you can set goals that are reasonable and attainable. The following provides you with an easily generalized template for creating change.

Identification. Identify areas for potential growth. What would you like to be different in your life, be it your professional, personal, familial and/or intimate? Change often occurs as a domino effect; change just one thing and other changes follow.

Prioritize. You can’t fix everything at once. Decide what’s most important and focus on it. There are certain issues you can’t work on until you address other underlying issues. If you have difficulty ascertaining how to organize problem identification and/or goal-setting, ask a friend or mentor to help. Alternately, you could seek the services of a life coach* or development assessment and planning service.

Definition. You cannot effect change in your life unless you know what you want to change. The motivation to change frequently begins with vague feelings of dissatisfaction and/or a painful experience(s). Sometimes change is demanded by a boss or spouse. Nevertheless, the more concretely you define the point of change, the more likely you’ll be successful in accomplishing it.

Think of specific examples and how they affect your life. Write them down to refer to as you work on your goals and make progress. Visual records are helpful, especially when you encounter obstacles and feel discouraged. A journal or action plan reminds you of how far you’ve come and the direction in which you’re headed.

Strengths and Limitations. What skills, tools, and supports do you possess that will help you on the road to change? These can be abstract, such as determination, enthusiasm, willingness to take healthy risks or tangible, such as a support network of family, friends, sponsors, mentors, supervisors, access to resources, and specific talents and abilities.

Second-guess what might trip you up (we usually trip over our own feet). Examples include: fear, procrastination, ambivalence, risk avoidance, limited access to resources, and skills deficits. How can you address these issues so they don’t impede your progress? Most weaknesses or limitations can become strengths with awareness, guidance and action.

Long-Term Goals vs. Short-Term Objectives. Understanding the difference between long-term goals and short-term objectives is one of most important factors in meeting goals and creating change. Many people aren’t able to differentiate between the two and, thus, become stalled in their efforts.

Long-Term Goals. Long-term goals are over-arching and achieved by identifying and accomplishing short-term objectives that acts as “baby steps.” Before you can walk, you have to learn to crawl. A person doesn’t just awake one morning and decide to run the Boston Marathon that day.

“Run the Boston Marathon” is a long-term goal comprised of short-term objectives including: Speak with doctor; meet with physical trainer; begin physical training program; work with nutritionist; improve diet; and build endurance, etc. Do due diligence and break it down.

Short-Term Objectives. Each objective is a step toward achieving a long-term goal(s). There should be multiple objectives for each set goal. Some objectives may not work out, which is why it’s important to have a plan B and/or plans C, D, and E, if necessary. If one objective doesn’t work, try something else. There are multiple paths to achieving a goal.
Be creative, but also be REALISTIC. Setting extremely difficult objectives is a set-up for failure. Objectives should be accomplished in a relatively short period with moderate to above-moderate effort. Meeting short-term objectives improves confidence and perceived self-efficacy, which in turn improves the likelihood you’ll achieve your goals.