Think you can't change? Many of us already know that we need to improve our state of well-being in order to extend our lives as we age. Making changes is traditionally difficult, but the good news is that it's never too late to make changes for the better. The first step is to understand what's important to you, and then determine the choices and decisions that represent where you want to be. Maybe you want to start a new career, lose weight, stop smoking or start exercising. Whatever the change is, be sure you understand why you want to make the change. 

Take a moment to think about a time in your life when you made a successful change or developed a new habit. What was your motivation for the change? What was your attitude at the time? What obstacles or barriers did you have to overcome? Your level of readiness to change will determine how successful you are, and how much time it will take. Once you make the decision to change, you must practice that new behavior one day at a time until it becomes a habit - a lasting change.

Embracing the concept of change is a big thing, because interestingly, many people think they don’t have a choice when it comes to change. Why? For some it's fear, guilt, love, pain, time management or even a court order. What motivates one person may not be the same thing that gets another person to act. Everyone reacts differently to changes, whether voluntary or mandatory. 

To start making a change, let go of certain assumptions or ways of doing things, to make room for new ideas. Work on this one day at a time until you feel comfortable. This often comes into play when I work with sedentary people to increase their activity level (people who work a lot and don't have a lot of time to exercise). One of my clients' complaints was, "I don’t want to take an hour or 30 minutes to walk." My solution was to suggest several two-minute intervals that would equal 30 minutes throughout the day — just stand up, walk around and visit people throughout the office, for example. The result was successful. He exercised and actually became more sociable as a result! Once he became comfortable with walking, I got him up to 10-minute intervals three times a day. Now he’s walking 30 minutes at one time and enjoying it. This all took place over the course of a few months. 

To make a lasting change, you start wherever you are and stretch a tiny bit more each time. If you fall off the wagon, or experience resistance, identify the cause or circumstances— who you were with, where you were, or your emotional state. The key is to get up and get back on the path again. You may go back and forward a few times because making a lasting change is hard. Your level of readiness to change will determine how successful you are, and how much time it will take. But you need to be ready, able and willing to make change happen.

By understanding the process, embracing discipline, and cultivating a growth mindset, we can embark on a journey of personal transformation that will ripple through every aspect of our lives.

I. Reflect and Define:

1. Self-Reflection: Take time to deeply reflect on your current situation and identify the areas in your life that you want to change. Understand the underlying motivations and values that drive your desire for change.

2. Define Your Goals: Set clear and specific goals that align with your vision for a better life. Use the SMART framework to make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This clarity will serve as your compass throughout the journey.

II. Create an Action Plan:

1. Break it Down: Divide your goals into smaller, manageable steps. This not only makes them less overwhelming but also allows for a sense of progress and achievement as you complete each step.

2. Prioritize and Schedule: Determine the most important actions that will have the greatest impact on your desired changes. Create a schedule that ensures you dedicate consistent time and effort to these actions.

III. Cultivate Discipline and Consistency:

1. Commitment and Self-Discipline: Embrace the commitment to stay focused and disciplined in pursuing your goals. Develop habits that support your journey, even when motivation wavers. Remember, consistency is key to creating lasting change.

2. Overcoming Obstacles: Anticipate obstacles that may arise and develop strategies to overcome them. Cultivate resilience and perseverance to navigate through setbacks and stay on track.

IV. Seek Support and Accountability:

1. Surround Yourself with Supportive Individuals: Seek out like-minded individuals who support your aspirations. Engage in communities or find an accountability partner who will encourage and challenge you along the way.

2. Share Your Journey: Share your goals and progress with trusted friends or family members. Verbalizing your intentions adds a layer of accountability and support that can keep you motivated and focused.

V. Embrace Growth and Adaptation:

1. Continuous Learning: Stay open to learning and acquiring new knowledge and skills. Embrace a growth mindset that encourages personal development and fosters resilience in the face of challenges.

2. Adapt and Evolve: As you progress, be open to adjusting your approach. Reflect on what works and what doesn't, and make necessary adaptations to your action plan. Embrace the power of flexibility and refinement.

Creating lasting change is not an overnight endeavor; it is a journey that requires self-reflection, discipline, and a growth mindset. By defining your goals, creating an action plan, cultivating discipline, seeking support, and embracing continuous growth, you can embark on a transformative path towards personal fulfillment and lasting change. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so savor each step along the way. Now, take the first step towards your transformative journey and watch as your life begins to unfold in beautiful and unexpected ways.

"Change is not a one-time event; it's a continuous process of growth and transformation." - Unknown