6 SUGGESTIONS THAT ENCOURAGE SUCCESSFUL CHANGE

If you are struggling with any kind of habit, addiction or seemingly compulsive behavior, here are six suggestions that will encourage change.

1. Believe you can change! God is in the change business. He doesn't want you to continue on as you are. "Repent," "new creation," "new life" and "resurrection" are New Testament words and phrases that indicate that, as a Christian, you will not stay as you are if you allow God to work in your life! Believe it! You can change!

2. There must be a commitment to change. Meaningful, personal change is impossible without it! That is what repentance is about.

3. Seek inspiration. What inspires you to stay on track? It may be a support group of people in a similar situation. It may be the cheerleading of a life coach or mentor. It may be time spent in Bible reading, prayer and communion. Make sure you seek inspiration to stay on track!

4. Skill development. Bad habits, addictions and compulsive behaviors are coping mechanisms that we think help us to cope with life, BUT THEY DON'T! Thought-stopping and stress-reduction skills are critical. Developing good social skills are essential as well. As appropriate skills are developed, the coping mechanisms are extinguished.

5. Do not be afraid to repeat your efforts! Most of the time there will be failure. Do not let that discourage you! Try to learn from failure. Failure can teach us how not to do it the next time. Change is seldom instant. Even with a miracle, one has to "take up his bed and walk."

6. Acknowledge improvement! Celebrate the small victories even though the whole problem hasn't been overcome! This can serve as inspiration for further progress.

Grace&Peace;
Tom