Top Tips for Making Changes in February

January is a tough month: money is short, the weather is grim, everyone has colds, and you feel guilty because you have already broken your New Year's resolutions. Every magazine is telling you how to "be a new you" - so why are you struggling?

In February, the pressure eases and the first signs of spring are here; many individuals find this a prime time to seek coaching.

Making changes is frightening for many of us; after all, it's the unknown. But the longer we stick with the familiar - however much we hate it or know deep down it's the wrong path for us - the harder it is to change. How to start?

Baby steps
As a coach I ask clients to fulfill one goal between sessions. It might be a relatively tiny goal - such as looking on the web for ways to train in the career they are considering. 

If a client is considering starting a new business then they might look at local competition. 

If they want a healthier lifestyle or a better work-life balance, they might make one small change to their eating habits, or aim to leave work one hour earlier once or twice a week.

These are just some examples. 

What small change can you make - which you know you have a 90% chance of success?

Write it down and record your progress at the end of the week.

A Bigger Step
Now look at what you can achieve in 2 weeks. Give yourself another goal as well as the first goal you had. Only choose a goal you have a 90% chance of fulfilling. Be realistic. Your aim is to achieve - not to move mountains.

A Month On
You have now been working on your goals for almost 4 weeks. It's time to move a little out of your comfort zone.
Choose a goal that is not so easy to achieve - one you have a 70% chance of achieving. 

Perhaps it's having a conversation with someone - a friend, partner or colleague that you have been avoiding, or changing your behaviour in some way. Push yourself that bit harder and praise yourself for the success you have achieved already.

Take Stock
Grab a sheet of paper of a notebook that you use  as a journal.  Record all your success throughout the month.

Compare this with where you were when you began.

REWARD yourself with a treat. You deserve it!

Keep Going
Into March - make a list of 3 goals you want to achieve. You must write them down- this makes them real, not just ideas floating around in your head. As before, break these down into manageable steps you can achieve in a week or so. 

And if for need help, touch base with your coach to help you along the way.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Life Coach Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4
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Written by Glynis Kozma
Life & Career Coach Dip.LC MAC
location_on Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4
Glynis is a qualified coach with ten years' coaching experience, after a long career in education. She works with clients on career and lifestyle changes. Glynis is also a writer who has had two self-help books published and writes as a freelancer on...
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