Elements for Lasting Change

There are three beliefs that must shift to create any long-term, lasting change.

The first is that "something must change now." This creates the initial desire to look for things that may be interfering with you living the life you desire and deserve. The second is "I must change it now." We must learn to rely on ourselves to be the agents of change. Without this, we will constantly be looking to someone else to make the change for us and we'll have someone else to blame if the change doesn't stick. Third, we have to believe "I can change it now." In the end, it is your own beliefs and
decisions that allow for lasting change in your own life. You have to be the source of your change.

Regardless of how great our lives already are, or how much we have achieved, there's always a gap between where we are and where we want to be. An
expanded perception of ourselves is a big catalyst for the changes we want to make in our lives. Many people get stuck in disempowering habits and poor self-images; yet, what we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of beliefs about who we are?what we call our "identity." The most important need in the human personality is to remain consistent in the identity we hold for ourselves.

So, for example, maybe you've had a lifelong challenge with your weight or with being out of shape. The obvious solution is to eat healthfully and work out. However, if you still see yourself as struggling with weight and health, you're sabotaging yourself you may begin eating better and exercising, but it won't last. On the other hand, if you change your identity and begin seeing yourself as an "athlete," "healthy person" or even an "Adonis," it is much more likely that the change will last. It's now attached to your identity.

The great news about our identity is that it is something we absolutely can change. How? By developing new beliefs about who we are. This allows our behavior to become congruent with the new way we see ourselves?our new identity.For example, most people try to establish outstanding health in their lives before they feel confident it is much more effective to feel confident
first. This provides the sense of certainty that will help ensure that we persist until we are healthy.

Tony Robbins

Thanks for posting this, Tracey!!

Love
Helene