Change is the Only Constant

“Every positive change in your life begins with a clear, unequivocal decision that you are going to either do something or stop doing something” – Unknown

We all have things we’d like to change or improve; lose a little bit off here, be a little better at this, earn a bit more of that. The ability to imagine “what could be” is a unique gift that we are entrusted with as humans. Sometimes we are able to harness that knowledge and create clear steps toward achieving our goals, and sometimes, we need some assistance in finding which destination we want to go to, the direction we should take or the best fuel to drive our engine.

Below are some key factors that we believe will help you toward achieving your goals. Keep in mind that these are only the basics of Motivational Interviewing and we all need a hand with keeping on track sometimes.

1. Write down your goal! And be specific! It’s hard to measure a goal without a clear picture in your head. I like to use the SMART acronym when writing down goals:

S = Specific – make your goal specific; who is involved? What do you want to accomplish? Where will it be done? Why are you doing it? And which constraints/requirements do you have?

M = Measurable – can you track your progress from before starting the steps until you are finished? e.g. How far do you want to be able to run? How many Ferraris do you want to own? How much weight do you want to lose?

A = Achievable – be realistic now, is it really achievable for you to grow an extra 15cm before the basketball tryouts in September?

R = Relevant – is the goal relevant and worthwhile? Will it meet your needs? Does it fit your lifestyle and your long-term plans?

T = Time-based – Time limits are essential when setting goals. Deadlines help to establish a sense of urgency and prompt us to manage our time better.

2. Focus on the outcome (your goal). It is important to acknowledge the reason you want to make the change (“the problem”), but do not dwell on it. When we focus on the goal, we move toward it and see progress. When we dwell on the problem, we see our faults, our relapses and are dragged down by our limitations.

3. Be accountable – tell someone your goal. Text a friend, keep a journal, tell your mum, discuss it with your health practitioner, anyone who will check in with you to see if you are taking steps toward your goal.

We are now offering wellness counselling at our Wollongong clinic, which combines nutritional knowledge with motivational interviewing. This aims to support clients with providing knowledge and direction, driven by the client’s own reasons for making the change. Wellness counselling involves sessions with Tim Coenraad, Nutritional Therapist, to gain personalised information on improving your health and well-being with nutrition, as well as motivational interviewing sessions with our Provisional Psychologist, Alison Gosling, to keep you focused on your outcome.

We hope that if you start with these few steps suggested above, you will be able to make some positive changes and move toward the ‘you’ that you imagine yourself being. Feel free to call us on 1300 856 617 and book in to see us if you would like some assistance with making positive changes in your life, we would love to support you in this.