It’s not always easy to change. A shift in environment could be a powerful catalyst for seeing yourself through.
It’s safe to assume that when someone says “This time will be different,” it likely won’t be.
Granted, some people become less outgoing over time or more frugal as they age, but this is an organic change that happens naturally without any act of will. I’m referring to people who set out to intentionally change their personalities or behaviors.
People change all the time, but intentional change is tough.
Story continues below advertisement
Fewer than 10 percent of smokers succeed when they try to quit. Only
5 percent of dieters succeed in keeping weight off for years. These are examples of clear goals with verifiable outcomes that have single-digit success rates.
Only one intervention significantly improves someone’s odds of making a change. It has nothing to do with throwing more willpower at the problem, trying harder, or really wanting it to happen.
A Change in Environment
The only way people seem to change is by dramatically altering their environment or having their environment altered for them. Does this mean we’re at the mercy of forces outside our control? Not at all. Rather, instead of bearing down for another attempt to pick up a new habit or put down an old one, it’s best to use your energy to reshape your environment.Here are seven “environment changes” that can be powerful catalysts for real change:
1. Move to a New Location
Changing where you live forces you to abandon many of your existing habits. As you reassemble your life, fresh habits form so you can adapt to the new environment’s challenges and opportunities. This shake-up is a good reminder of how much our lives are shaped by our external physical setting.2. Take a New Job
Changing jobs gives you a new set of peers and people to impress. It throws you into an environment that is demanding and even overwhelming. You’ll be forced to adapt, learn new things, and change aspects of yourself that were unchallenged in your previous job.3. Get Mentored
A common theme of change is that we often need positive social pressure to bring it about. It’s not enough to want something for yourself—you have to believe that someone else wants it for you and would be disappointed if you fell short. A mentor pushes you in ways you wouldn’t push yourself or challenges you to think in patterns that don’t come naturally.4. Commit to Something Big
A powerful and reliable way to change yourself is to put yourself in a situation that is almost certain to make you a different person. Go back to school, become a member of a local church, say yes to a big client, or volunteer to give a speech at an event. The fear of looking silly or being judged for backing out will hold you to your commitment and give you the drive to stick with it.5. Create a New Daily Routine
Trying to be more disciplined in your existing schedule is rarely a recipe for successful change. But if you can shake up your routine enough, you can get some of the same big benefits you would get from moving or changing jobs. All the things you take for granted, assume, or default to in your current routine will become a blank slate and give you a great opportunity to try different approaches.6. Remove Temptations
Sometimes, change can be as simple as removing something that has a hold on you, so that it is no longer an option. You can remove all junk food or alcohol from your home. You can remove time-wasting apps from your phone or buy software to block websites you want to avoid.7. Change Your Social Circle
This one might be last on the list, but it could very well be the most important. You’ve likely heard the expression that you become similar to the five people you spend the most time with. It’s true that we care about what other people think of us, and we subtly modify our behaviors and beliefs to match their expectations. If you want to improve yourself, surround yourself with the very best of people. You’ll undoubtedly benefit from inclusion in their circle.
Copy
