Becoming Your Best You

            In order to become your best you, you will have to discern whether or not you are ready to jump into the “change pool” with both feet. When you are ready and take that leap of faith with your mind, body and spirit you will feel a sense of relief as well as exhilaration. You will have that feeling of letting go: letting go of a heavy burden that you have been carrying for a long time. You will be thrilled that you finally are making a change. You may also experience some fear: fear of the unknown and fear of failure. Change does not come about easily. Getting out of your comfort zone is a process. This process can take days, weeks or even months. Your decision is also based on what behaviors you are changing. Do you personally like the behaviors you are are trying to change or is the behavior something you don’t like? For instance: addictions to smoking, drugs, alcohol or sex may give you very enjoyable and gratifying moments that only become viewed as negatives because of ethical and moral opinions inflicted by yourself or those of society (peers). You may also enjoy but realize that these behaviors pose a health risk. On the other hand if making changes to things like passive aggressive behavior, procrastination and anger issues don’t resonate with something enjoyable these behaviors might be easier to change.

            If you are not sure whether you are ready to change and jump in with both feet or if you just want to dip your toes into the pool, that is perfectly normal and a part of the process. The good news is that you are thinking about change. Somewhere in your mind you are telling yourself that something just isn’t right and change is necessary or preferable. In this stage it is helpful to look into the future and vision yourself as a changed person. Think how you feel and how life is so much better because of the change(s) you made. This is a point where you start building your passion for change. If you like your future changed self then start thinking how you would go about making that change. And then start planning how to make that change happen. When you are at this point you are most likely to jump in with both feet. Jumping in to the “change pool” with both feet when you are not ready will set you up for failure. You will drown with anxiety and fear. And this failure will only reinforce the “I knew I couldn’t do this attitude”. So make sure you are really ready to change!

            Now that you have decided to jump into the “change pool” with both feet you are on the road to becoming your best you. This is the stage where you start planning how you are going to go about making this change. This is also the point where it is helpful to hire a coach that will guide you on your journey. Is it necessary to hire a coach or therapist to help you make changes that will get you to become your best you? Absolutely not! It all depends on your behaviors and the tools you already possess. This is a point where you need to know without a doubt, can I do this on my own? How often have I failed in the past to achieve the desired results on my own? When I jumped in with both feet who did I see as my lifesavers? Be honest with yourself and put a value on becoming the person you want to become. Coaches have the tools and skills that will help you navigate the road to becoming your best. They ultimately give you the autonomy and ownership of your path to your best. In that same spirit, you need to decide for yourself what is best: alone or with a coach.