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Kicking the Clutter: Do you suffer from change resistance?

Many of us tend to resist the change that might bring us a better life and happiness. Staying in the comfort zone might bring you the temporary relief you need in exchange for your confidence and the opportunity for growth and success.
Kicking the Clutter Powell River

Many of us tend to resist the change that might bring us a better life and happiness. Staying in the comfort zone might bring you the temporary relief you need in exchange for your confidence and the opportunity for growth and success.

In order to replace your possible fear of change, complete honesty and willingness to make changes is required. I just love this quote by motivational speaker Jim Rohn: “Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” 

Recognizing the stage of change you are in might help you to seek help from a trusted friend or professional.

I believe you deserve the life you desire. The life you crave, you can create.

Stage one: precontemplation

People at this stage are not ready to admit their bad habits and are delaying their life and the lives of their family members. They are living a life of denial, blame and excuses. They might stay at this stage for a long time, not being aware of the consequences of their behaviour. People at the precontemplation stage might have health issues.

Stage two: contemplation

Individuals at this stage might admit they have a problem, yet are not ready to commit to change. They are more aware of the benefits of changing but are also very aware of obstacles that change might bring. This evaluating between the costs and benefits of changing can create overwhelming insecurity and health issues.

Stage three: preparation

Individuals in this stage have plenty of information, support and desire to change. In the preparation stage, people are exploring, asking questions and requesting help from professionals. Very often, people skip this stage due to being irritated and wanting quick results. Some are looking for instant fulfillment, only to realize, there is none.

Stage four: Action

This is the stage where people are self-assured and truly believe they have the ability and strength to make positive changes in their behaviour. People at this stage are ready to commit to change and are also likely to seek support from others.

Stage five: Maintenance

This final stage incorporates being able to successfully avoid any urges to return to unhealthy habits. The purpose of the maintenance stage is to maintain new successes and happiness. People in maintenance constantly alter the directions of their lives and are gaining new skills to deal with life and obstacles that life brings.

Relapse:

In any behaviour change, relapses are a normal experience. When you go through a relapse, you might feel disappointment, frustration and embarrassment. The key to success is to not let these temporary setbacks weaken your self-confidence. If you slip back to the old behaviour, assess why it happened. What can you do to avoid these activities in the future?

When you are ready to make small changes to live the life you desire, talk to a friend or professional.

Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in Powell River and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to solutionsorganizing.com.