May 2023

🐰🐰   Making a major life change       

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” -Socrates

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” -John C. Maxwell

The only constant is change...

Deciding to make a major life change can be a challenging decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some signs that it might be time to make a major life change:

• Feeling stuck or unhappy: If you feel stuck in your current situation and are no longer happy, it might be a sign that you need to make a change.

• Lack of fulfillment: If you are not fulfilled by your current job or lifestyle, and it is no longer giving you a sense of purpose, it might be time to explore new opportunities.

• Relationship issues: If you are experiencing problems in your personal relationships that are causing you distress or unhappiness, it might be a sign that you need to make a change.

• Health concerns: If your mental or physical health is suffering as a result of your current lifestyle, job, or other factors, it might be time to make changes that will help you improve your overall well-being.

• Financial concerns: If you are struggling financially and are unable to make ends meet, it might be time to make some changes in your career or lifestyle.

Change can be challenging for lots of reasons. One primary reason is that humans are creatures of habit. Our brains are wired to seek out patterns and routines, which can make it difficult to break old habits and establish new ones. Additionally, change often involves uncertainty and the unknown, which can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing.

Did you know that change has been studied as a science? There are several models of change that help us understand motivation, process, and change management. ADKAR is a change management model that was developed by Jeff Hiatt of Prosci, a leading provider of change management resources and training. The model is based on the idea that change is most successful when individuals are prepared and willing to adopt the new behaviors required by the change. The ADKAR model focuses on five stages of change: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement.

• Awareness - The first stage of the ADKAR model is awareness. This stage involves creating an understanding of why the change is necessary and what the consequences will be if the change is not made. In this stage, individuals must become aware of the need for change and understand how the change will benefit them.

• Desire - The second stage of the ADKAR model is desire. This stage involves creating a desire or motivation to make the change. In this stage, individuals must be motivated to change by understanding the personal benefits they will gain from the change.

• Knowledge - The third stage of the ADKAR model is knowledge. This stage involves providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make the change. In this stage, individuals must be given the necessary training and support to develop the knowledge and skills required to adopt the new behaviors.

• Ability - The fourth stage of the ADKAR model is ability. This stage involves providing individuals with the resources and tools necessary to make the change. In this stage, individuals must be given the necessary tools and resources to practice the new behaviors and develop the necessary skills.

• Reinforcement - The fifth stage of the ADKAR model is reinforcement. This stage involves reinforcing the change and ensuring that it becomes a permanent part of the individual's behavior. In this stage, individuals must be given the necessary feedback and support to maintain the new behaviors and ensure that the change is sustained over time.

Another model of change, Motivational Interviewing, is commonly used in behavioral health to evaluate an individual’s readiness for change:

1. Pre-contemplation - In this stage, individuals are not yet considering change. They may be unaware of the need for change or may not believe that change is possible.

2. Contemplation - In this stage, individuals are considering change but have not yet taken any action. They may be weighing the pros and cons of change and may be hesitant to take action.

3. Preparation - In this stage, individuals have decided to make a change and are preparing to take action. They may be researching their options or seeking support.

4. Action - In this stage, individuals are actively making changes to their behavior or circumstances. This may involve adopting new habits or taking steps to achieve a goal.

5. Maintenance - In this stage, individuals have successfully made changes and are working to maintain their progress. This may involve ongoing effort and the development of new habits.

Making lasting changes can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help. Some of these strategies include:

• Set realistic goals - It's essential to set goals that are achievable and realistic. This can help build momentum and maintain motivation.

• Develop a support system - Having a support system can make a big difference when it comes to making lasting changes. This may involve enlisting the help of friends or family members or seeking professional support.

• Celebrate successes - Celebrating small successes along the way can help maintain motivation and build confidence.

• Practice self-compassion - Change can be difficult, and setbacks are inevitable. Practicing self-compassion can help individuals stay motivated and bounce back from setbacks.

Ultimately, the decision to make a major life change is a personal one that depends on your individual circumstances and goals. It's important to take the time to reflect on your situation, evaluate your options, and make a decision that is right for you. If you are preparing for a significant change, let’s talk about how we can use these models to make the change more manageable.

Unique & special May holidays:  

Some of my favorites:

May 6 Play Outside Day

May 7 World Laughter Day

May 19 Pizza Party Day

I'm grateful to know you and I thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.  Please let me know if there is anything more I can be doing to support you.

Some housekeeping items:

• Scheduling: 

  • I will be at a conference May 7-10. Memorial Day is May 29, and looking ahead, I will be taking a few days off in mid-June.  If our regular session time will be impacted, let's talk about choosing a different day and finding a meaningful way to spend your usual time.

  • This season gets busy with Springtime activities on your social calendar, and end-of-year projects and exams.    Family, friends, and fun are priorities in our lives, and am happy to reschedule our session times when you have something enjoyable to do (or otherwise important, like studying or a project).  Please remember to cancel or reschedule your appointments with as much advance notice as possible so that we can reschedule and I can offer the session time to someone else. No shows and late cancelations (fewer than 4 hours notice) are subject to a no show charge.

• Crisis Numbers:   

I recommend adding these to your contacts in your phone. If you don't need them, you might be able to share them with someone who does.

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 For more information: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/.  The old number remains active as well: 1-800-273-8255

• Text crisis line... you can send a text to 741741 and just write HOME and someone will get right back to you. https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/

• Trans Lifeline:  (877) 565-8860

• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

Credits:

• (http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/may.htm)