The key is to find an effective tool that works for YOU. There unfortunately is no one-size-fits-all methodology, but I suspect you know that already. Now, let me give you some tools that you can consider. One of these might just work for you!

1. Think about alternatives that are "achievable". You will only be disappointed if you set your sights on something that is unrealistic. Don't expect to have immediate or overnight success either. But, and this is key, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED.  Real change in your life takes diligence and time.

2.  If what you are looking for is a change in your ECONOMIC status, beware of get-rich-quick schemes.  I can tell you from experience that "if something SOUNDS too good to be true," then IT ISN'T!  You know what I mean-- if a Nigerian prince emails you to tell you that he just wants your bank account so that he can wire you money to protect for two weeks and you will then return it to him, DO NOT fall prey to this scam.  Bernard Madoff is just an example (one of the worst of all time) of the kind of people who are out there looking to take advantage of unsuspecting honest folks.  I put this in the category of STOCK TIPS:  the best advice there is to ignore them. 

3.  If you really want to make changes in your life, then think about the costs and benefits of making those changes.  I make an actual list, with two columns: PRO and CON.  This visually helps you make a decision and allows you to consider all of the options and consequences, both to you, your family, friends, etc.

4.   Identify the habits that you have that are impeding changes.  For example, if you want to make a change to become healthier, do you come home after a hard day of work, have dinner, watch TV and relax?  Should you modify this schedule by simply including 15 minutes of walking, whether on a treadmill or just around your house or apartment. 

5.  You must PLAN the changes that you want.  In other words, just as you would approach how you get from POINT A to POINT B on a map, go ahead and make a list of the IMPORTANT STEPS that you know you will need to cross in order to make the change.  It is much easier to see the HOW if you do this.  It has proven to be invaluable to me.  In other words, pretend that you are doing a PERSONAL MAPQUEST.  Be detailed, but not so detailed that you can not be flexible.

6.   Be prepared to make the DECISION to change.  When you make that decision, WRITE IT DOWN.  Look at this every day.  You can stick it in a drawer, but make sure it is a drawer you open EVERY DAY.  Let it be a reminder to you that this is what you committed yourself to doing. 

7.  This is a hard one:  GIVE UP ANY INCLINATION TO BLAME ANYONE ELSE for where you are.  Too many people will blame others for their lot in life.  Others may, in fact, be to blame but it does not do you any good to spend any of your energy or time in placing blame.  YOU are the one who will make the CHANGE you want.  You will find that once you give up blaming others, you have LIBERATED YOURSELF to making the change you want.

8.  Change will come to you more easily if you can find a friend, family member, or someone else to talk to you about the changes you have committed to.  This person might be a mentor, a coach so-to-speak, or just someone who is a GOOD LISTENER.  However, you can make change alone.  It will be just be easier if you find someone who is POSITIVE and someone who is a SOURCE OF ENERGY for you.  Avoid anyone who is negative or who may hold you back.  If you hear the words from someone, "Oh, you can't possibly do that..." that is your CUE TO WINK and MOVE ON!  Do not allow others to drag you down or backwards.  The nature of many people is to hope that others will fail because it makes them feel better about their own failures.  AVOID these people at all costs. 

I truly hope that one or more of these TOOLS is helpful to you.  I am NOT going to wish you GOOD LUCK-- what I know you will have is SUCCESS if you set your mind to it.  That is the amazing thing about human beings:  our ability to collect information, analyze alternatives, synthesize, and determine future courses of action. 

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