This is the time of year where we tend to make wild predictions, set big goals (exercise, weight loss, financial, etc.), and then within a few days the frustrations set in, the will power ends, the motivation wanes, and resistance takes over. In general there are two, possibly three, steps to successful change.

Step One. This is an optional step, but can be very powerful for some people. Here, you choose a moment in time (a date) in the future, perhaps 12 months, and you imagine it is that date now and you have had accomplished the task or goal you want to. Then you articulate what it is in as much detail as possible and what it feels like.

Step Two. Determine what small step you can do right now (not tomorrow, not later today, but right now) which will take you closer to your goal, and do it.

Step Three. Repeat step two every day, whether you feel like it or not, until you reach your goal.

Yes, it’s simple, yet few people actually do it because we are extraordinarily good at coming up with excuses, prioritising other things, and deciding not to do. We don’t view the change as our job, a non-negotiable.

What would happen if we did?