An Mp3 Approach to Making Lasting and Successful Changes in Your Life

A friend once said to me, "Change would be a lot easier if it wasn't so hard. If I could change behavior as easy as I can change songs on my mp3 player, I'd be ecstatic!" We laughed about it and it made me think about the change process in a whole different light...and that mp3 player she spoke of remained at the heart of the matter!

Jack Dixon once said, "If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results." If you take this concept a step further and focus on keeping a positive outlook about the change process itself, it stands to reason that you will not only increase your chance for "getting results" but you will also increase your chance for lasting success.

The process for change is slow and doesn't happen overnight, which is something that we all can relate to in one way or another. My friend and I knew it all too well at the time she made her joke about the mp3 player.  Most of us admit that we want to create new habits or behaviors, but we often desire rapid results or even an overnight "quick fix." Nine times out of ten this isn't our experience. But, it's the slow process that can make each step of the change process worthwhile. If we take it slow, we have a chance to 'take in' the process...and taking it in slowly allows us 'more' time to "Process Practice, and Prevail!" In honor of my friend, I've decided to call this the "MP3 approach to change" and here's why:

If we move gradually toward change, we are able to "Process" necessary steps, put ideas into clear perspective, assess the first move and those that follow, even do a check-in on how good it feels to take those steps. You have the option to reassess how you feel, and the slow pace allows for a smooth transition and change of course. "More Processing" creates more clarity and sets the stage for "Practice."

If you begin to "Practice," you reap the benefits of consistency and accuracy. Repetition and practice are keys for change. Taking the slow road and really investing quality practice time in your 'here-and-now' allows you to create a foundation for change that is stable and change that is not fleeting. If you are 'doing' while processing, then you'll be taking action with a clear mindset and that sets the stage for you to "Prevail."

There is nothing more powerful than the realization that you are in control and creating space for change! The rewards from your efforts are yours for the taking if you choose to stay the course, process what is happening, slow your pace, and remain consistent through practice. You truly do have the power inside of you to prevail!

The next time you think about change, take a moment to recall, with a little bit of humor and a lot of positivity, the "MP3 Approach to Change: More Processing + Practice = Prevail." Consider focusing all of your positive energy on the process of change itself instead of considering only results. Having an exclusive "end-result" mentality could significantly narrow your mental lens and impede your desire to practice. So, just remember: You have the option to take your time and create a positive mindset about change, both of which allow you to control your own outcome...and that's empowering in and of itself!