Creating Lasting Change

Here is a wonderful exercise adapted from Tony Robbins' Awakening the Giant Within, introducing three guiding principles to lasting change:

RAISE YOUR STANDARDS

Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards. Write down all the things you will no longer accept or tolerate in your life, and all the things that you aspire to becoming. This is an exercise in deep personal honesty (telling yourself the truth 100% of time). Frequently ask yourself: What am I pretending not to know?

CHANGE YOUR LIMITING BELIEFS

Our beliefs are like unquestioned commands, telling us how things are, what's possible and what's impossible, what we can and can not do. They shape every action, every thought, and every feeling that we experience. As a result, changing our belief systems is central to making any real and lasting change in our lives. We must develop a sense of certainty that we can and will meet the new standards before we actually do.

CHANGE YOUR STRATEGY

In order to keep your commitment, you need the best strategies for achieving results. If you have set a higher standard, and you can get yourself to believe, then you certainly can figure out the strategies. One of the best strategies in almost any case is to find a role-model, someone who's already getting the results you want, and then tap into their knowledge.

Read about successful people. The most successful people have had mentors in every stage of their life. Who you associate with does help determine your happiness and success.

Many small business and career development organizations offer free mentoring services with a rich pool of volunteer, seasoned superstars, ready to share with you their experience, knowledge, and expertise.