By Shawnmari Kaiser, LISW, LCSW
So you have determined the attitude, behavior or habit you would like to change. You assessed the pros and cons and the pros won. Now what? Jump into action? But what action? What direction do you go to achieve your desired results? It’s time to create a plan!
Preparation for change is as vital as the action process. Would you take a road trip without knowing how to reach your destination? Figuratively, preparation creates the roadmap, packing list, rest periods and refueling points that will lead to the achievement of your goal.
Preparation enhances your commitment to the change. It will empower you with confidence and courage to move forward. It will facilitate physical and emotional self-regulation which, will be needed during the action phase.
Whatever behavior, attitude or habit you wish to change you will need to first research the best avenue to take in order to know how to create the healthiest plan to follow. In the case of weight loss or other health habits it may include discussion with your physician and other experts like dieticians and personal trainers.
Once your research is completed it is time to create achievable goals. You may consider short-term goals that ultimately lead to a long-term goal. If your goal is to lose weight, the long-term goal may be to be physically fit with a healthy BMI (Body mass index) score and an ideal weight for your height and age group. Your short-term goals might be preset weekly weight and body measurements.
Once you have determined your goals you would create tasks that move you forward toward achievement of those goals. As an example, for weight loss, you would benefit from creating daily recipes, shopping lists, exercise routines, tracking daily records of foods, portions, water intake and type and amount of exercise. Perhaps journaling the emotional experience may be a beneficial task.
Whatever the desire to change, a sound and well-organized comprehensive plan will guide you to success in the action phase. Be sure to let the Lord walk with you in this process. Seeking His guidance in the planning stage is an assurance that you will create the best plan for change.
He promises “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalms 32: 8). And should you feel any anxiety or apprehension about the change you are planning, we are inspired by His promise “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). This promise helps us know that we do not have to be anxious about the change we are about to make. We can face it with the calm assurance He will carry us through.
Join me next time when we will explore putting the plan into action!!
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