Change can be intimidating. Change is difficult. Luckily, we can prepare for this change. Nobody can be expected to change without a little preparation. There’s a high chance this change will be difficult if this stress and anxiety has been part of your life for a while. Take a deep breath and remember that this is for you. This is only the preparation.

So you need to make a change….. This is difficult. You need to do some prep work. This is similar to reading the instructions before you put together a shelf. Do I have the necessary tools? Are all the parts accounted for?

This is where we typically get in our own way. I don’t think I’m alone in this thinking process. We know the change but we want to ensure that we make this change when we are fully ready. However, we struggle to identify when that time is. You can spend time identifying the ways that you handle your stress and anxiety and discover what the causes are. Write them down if you need to.

I feel overwhelmed when I am trying to find my favorite soup and there are others in the aisle.

I feel stressed when I am given a deadline at work that I was not expecting.

Identifying these feelings can help you to understand what stands in the way of making that needed change in your life and of happiness. Don’t get overwhelmed with making the change. Let’s think about how we can better position our self to make this change effectively. Feeling anxious is awful but there is typically a reason for it. Process through the series of events that lead to this.

Were you anxious because you felt that people were looking at what you chose to wear? Are you happy with what you are wearing? If not, why are you wearing it? Did you have enough time to review your options in the morning? Would an extra fifteen minutes in the morning help you feel more comfortable throughout the day? That seems like an easy change to make. Right now, this is more about being self-aware than it is about changing behavior. We should be able to figure out how we end up in situations that bring us unwanted feelings.

If we can’t figure it out, could we pay more attention to our needs? There is no need to view this as selfish behavior. Think of it as self-care! Most of us could use a little more than we are currently providing ourselves.

As stated previously, change is difficult. Don’t let this difficulty intimidate you! You’ve prepared, and you understand that this is an investment in yourself. It’s similar to making sure you don’t spend too much on a gift but having much more freedom with your money when buying for yourself. This change can be life changing and the preparation is just as important. Prepare correctly and this change will feel natural.