The 5 Things You MUST Do To Create Positive Change In Your Life by Larry Winget
1. Decide to change. Most people say they want to change without making the real decision to change. A true decision is based in commitment. You have given your word to yourself. It’s a decision that says regardless of what you run up against, you are going to change. It’s a deal you have struck with yourself and there is no going back!
2. Know WHY you want to change. Too many people get caught up in HOW they are going to change. That comes later. There are lots of ways to change. How is the easy part. Why is much tougher. Let’s say you have decided to lose weight. Good for you. Why? To be healthier? To live longer? All great answers. Go deeper. Why do you want to be healthier? Why is it important to live longer? I did this exercise with a woman who after asking WHY several times, it came out that she just wanted to look good in a swimsuit this summer so she wouldn’t be embarrassed. Embarrassment was the answer. This is just an example, but you get it. Dig deep for the WHY you want to change.
3. Be willing to do whatever it takes to change. It’s a rule: Life doesn’t always ask you to DO whatever it takes, but you had better be WILLING to do whatever it takes. If you aren’t willing, save yourself the time and don’t even start the process as you will end up quitting soon anyway.
4. Do whatever it takes to change. Yeah, this is the work part. No change is going to happen without work and action. There’s no way around it so roll up your sleeves, get off your butt and do the work.
5. When you fail, dust yourself off and start again. You will fail. Success is about moving past failure. Don’t cry, don’t whine, don’t get stuck. Just play through the pain and keep going no matter what. No excuses are acceptable.
Short list but big work. Get started right now on the changes you want to create in your life. By the way, when you get to where you want to be, celebrate. That’s the pay off. Celebrate your victory, set a new target and get back to work.
This is based on a section from my New York Times bestseller, People Are Idiots And I Can Prove It (The Idiot Factor in paperback). To get your autographed copy, go to www.larrywinget.com.
I’m wondering Larry if for some people, there isn’t another step. Know than you CAN change !
Sometimes people get into a headspace and situation in life where they think “This is all I am and will ever be”.
Especially if they’re surrounded by people who support that false view. People also sometimes underestimate just how hard change will be, and they need to have that deep conviction that change is possible so they have the will to move forward when the going gets tough (and it will).
When the student is ready the teacher will come Thanks Larry.
gordon
Great post – Thanks – I agree that proactivity and attitude is so important, as well as building past mistakes and failure to pay the road to success with a lll those lessons learned – very practical, sounds easy, but really hard to do! Judy Belmont
The toughest real estate in the world to develop is the six inches between someone’s ears. The genesis of change does happen in an instant when a person mentally “Flips the switch.”
I agree that too many people are concerned with the how of change instead of getting out of their own way and taking action. Keep up the great work, Larry!
Hi Larry,
I love the straight way you say things. I have one of your books, You’re Broke Because You Want to Be, and have found it most helpful. I also appreciate the five things you’ve listed here.
Since you have a place for comments, I have a couple of things I would suggest: Under the WHY. There is a deeper reason behind Embarrassment. She wants others to see her in a favorable light to feel she’s accepted and thought well of. There may even be something core about wanting to fit in socially.
Other thing: I think the title “People are Idiots…” is a compelling one and it’s what’s in print. But it does make it sound like other people. How about: “We’re all Idiots and I can Prove it.” People may be more catch-y, but I feel that including all of us is more true. And you seem to care a lot about saying the truth.
Keep up the great way you inspire and say things directly. It’s refreshing.
-Christina Canright
As usual, a short, simple solution, but as you said, it will take a lot of work to implement. Good post, now let’s hope those that need it the most will be willing to put in the work to make the positive changes they need.
Christina, thanks for the comments. People Are Idiots And I Can Prove It talks all about how we are all idiots. That’s the point of the book. Saying we are all idiots in the title would force people to admit it before they buy it which is not good marketing. We like to point the finger of blame at others and then realize it is also about us.
Hey Larry,
I appreciate your cogent writings. I am at a big change fork-in-the-road, and you are so right about it being hard work. It seems, for me, that it is much harder emotionally, than the physical work. (“The Shef’s” comment above, “The toughest real estate in the world to develop is the six inches between someone’s ears” is deadly accurate.)
Maybe the most important part of your post is that you have made me stop to reflect on the WHY part of this. And I’m kind of afraid. My off the cuff feeling is maybe I don’t really want to change. That is certainly not good, as continuing on my safe, comfortable course is a path to nowhere. I see I have some hard thinking to do, and I thank you for provoking me.
All the best,
Phil
Larry,
I have several cd audio versions of your books that I have
listened to in my pick-up truck/mobile library. I’ve listened to
“People Are Idiots” several times. There is so much useful
information , seemingly I discover a new idea to focus on
each time I listen.
Thanks for all you do,
James S.
In addition, or once you get past the starting bit, GET RID OF YOUR BROKE A$$ FRIENDS.
I cannot thank you enough for getting that though my thick skull!
I thought that was a cruel thing to do. But time has proved you correct.
Onward.
I want to change to be a better person than I was years ago, and yesterday. I understand what I must do and what steps I must take to become better. Thank you Larry for pointing out the common sense common people want to hear!
I guess I have never truly believed that people can change. I am not sure why I think this, as over the years I have changed a lot, and seen others change, and also our society as a whole. Who expected we’d ban smoking in public places, or wear seatbelts or bicycle helmets? Those are huge changes that made me hopeful about our society’s future.
But I am cynical about changes by individuals, because those changes so often are short-lived.
I must think about why I don’t even want to change some things I know I should.
Having been recently diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, I know what actions got me to this point. And I know what changes have to be made. …not just for my physical health, but for my own self image. This article was very timely. I needed a kick in the rear to put my mind in action. I am the only person who can make the needed changes. I have to put in the effort to enjoy the pay off. Thanks for the motivation!! PS…I have several of your books and re-read them regularly. Your awesome writing skills and to the point messages are so appreciated.
Very true Larry,we must be willing to change and this must start from within,otherwise it will be a waste of time.
Thanks Larry
Larry, I have been reading your stuff for years. I love it!
Thank god you updated your web site. I mean I know you are raking it in and I always thought to myself, “Larry spend some of that dinero and hire some web design people.” That last site was brutal. (Yes I know you still made lots of money from it)
BTW Your new site rocks!
Reading posts and commenting is easy stuff. The harder stuff was getting myself to finally decide to go for my own win and write my first book. Then start my wealth building brand. You are a big part of my motivation. Actually you and I know I motivated myself and you were part of what inspired me to do it.
Get those web monkeys to make you a favicon and sprinkle some clicktotweet buttons on some of your sound bites so I can retweet them.
Steve
I read Larry’s Book “You’re Broke Because You want to be” about 4 years ago when I had about $30k in debt. I now have no debt at all, $45k in savings, and my house is paid off. I’m 31 years old. Your book (along with any financial book I could get my hands on) have helped me so much, but yours got me started and made me take responsibility and ditch the excuses. So thank you.
So wise!!
YOU are always so wise and so succinct and whether or not you remember me, I miss seeing you and Rose Mary. Have a healthy good 2017.
Ha, Leslie, how could I ever forget you? You are one of my favorite people! And you say such nice things about me! Thank you!!