教师：廖庆梅

Most people feel dissatisfied with their lives or even themselves at some point. If you feel like you need a fundamental change to whom you are, you are in luck; you can change! Major change can seem daunting, but it is entirely possible if you are willing to set and stick with clear goals.

Then how to change yourself? Here are four ways.

1. Assessing your needs

Identify the problem. You've made your mind up to change, but how and why? Clearly identifying the problem, or the aspect of yourself that is leading you to seek change, is the only way it can be solved. What will change result in?

It's best to start positive. Write down a list of what you like about yourself. In one sentence, state exactly what you want. Make sure it's what you want and not what others think you should want. If you don't actually desire change, it won't come.

Next, make a list of reasons why you want this change. Seeing all the motivations written down in front of you, will keep you on the right path.

2. Do self-affirmations

Making self-affirmations, or telling yourself positive things about yourself, may help you establish your core values and stay focused on the person you want to be.For example, “I am a good person;” “I am a hard worker;” “I am creative.”

3. Visualize your changed future. 

Visualization is a kind of mental rehearsal that can help you imagine a different situation.Effective visualization can help you determine specifics about what you’re working toward and can help you hone your goals. Further, visualization can help you develop a sense of control over a situation or over your life.

4. Expect disruption.

Things happen in life that we could never expect. Your path to change is going to be littered with obstacles and people trying to bog you down. Knowing that the pitfalls in the road are minor setbacks and can be overcome is necessary for success.

Staying realistic is the best way to tackle any daunting topic. Don't blame yourself or others for keeping you from your goal. Setbacks are normal and will happen.