Deep, long-term change is grueling whether starting a business or evolving yourself.*
Anticipating the steps and the challenges increases success.
Be Honest – “Don't lie to yourself.”** Move away from media and other influence and confirm you truly want to change.
If you find yourself using the word “should”, you're likely pursuing someone else’s dream. Reconsider.
Be Clear – Write down your vision to stay motivated when exhausted. It also helps others know how to support you.
Decide what you are willing to sacrifice with your relationships and lifestyle.
Be Prepared – You will face pain and discomfort.
Knowing struggles are necessary, plan how to manage stress and how to reinforce your vision.
Be constant – Keep driving forward. The longest journey still requires one step at a time.
Set recurring times to work on your plans and regular deliverables to ensure progress.
Be vulnerable – Seek external input to help you reach further. Deep change is tougher alone.
Ask for feedback, advice, and coaching around your movement and any obstacles.
Be supportive – While commonly used on others, apply this idea to yourself.
Consciously reward your accomplishments and accept struggles.
Planning and mindset lead to enduring change.
* One personal example is shifting from being non-racist to anti-racist. Reflecting how to make that shift endures led to this post.
** Fyodor Dostoevsky’s full quote: “Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and others.” Being candid with yourself is foundational to all change (and satisfaction).