Making Change: One "Small" Step At A Time

Making Change: One "Small" Step At A Time

Lately, I have been hearing from my clients that although they have the best intentions to create positive changes, they are having difficulty following through with it.

I can definitely relate to this in my own life. Can you?

Here is one example to illustrate this:

As part of the work I do, I introduce the idea of mindfulness meditation with some of my clients when their treatment plans call for it. Mindfulness meditation helps us access the present moment more often, be more aware of our thoughts and surroundings, develop acceptance, and cultivate a more non-judgmental attitude—among many other benefits.

When my clients discuss mindfulness with me and engage in it during our therapy sessions, they are fully engaged in the practice and fully motivated to incorporate mindfulness practices into their lives. So why is it that when my clients leave my office they have trouble following through? On an intellectual level, they understand the potential benefits of mindfulness, which could be extraordinary; why, then, is it so hard to put something so beneficial into practice?

One answer could be that we are absorbed and stuck in patterns. Many of these patterns are a source of comfort for us. Leaving our comfort zones can seem scary. It can seem like a lot of work, and there is great fear of the unknown.

One way of starting a new pattern that could be more favorable or beneficial is to make small changes. From a psychotherapy standpoint, the notion of small changes was developed within the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach, which posits that making one small change at a time can lead to bigger results.

Try making one small change every day. Create new things, or make your habits more exciting. Every small change you make moves you toward completing your biggest goals.