Choosing To Change Behaviours

Occasionally we come up against a problem and consider changing our behaviours. Let’s look at some considerations you can make when deciding when or if to make changes.

Ever feel like you’re running in circles, repeating the same patterns, but unsure why? Maybe it's the way you react to stress, the habits you can’t shake, or the relationships that leave you drained. Sometimes, we don’t realize a behavior is holding us back until we hit a breaking point—frustration, exhaustion, or a sense of being stuck. But what if you didn’t have to wait for a crisis to make a change?

Every habit and behavior serves a purpose—until it doesn’t. If you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated, or unfulfilled, it may be time to ask: Is this behavior still working for me? Whether it’s an unhealthy coping mechanism, self-sabotage, or simply a routine that’s lost its value, taking a step back to evaluate can open the door to something better. In this post, we’ll break down the key signs that indicate it’s time for a shift, along with practical strategies to make meaningful, lasting changes.

The Future You Test - Picture yourself five years from now - are your current habits leading you to the life you want? If not, it might be time for a shift. Here are some thoughts to consider when looking at making a change.

1. Identify the Trigger

What sparked this idea to make a change? Was it external (e.g., feedback from others, a major life event) or internal (e.g., a deep sense of dissatisfaction, stress, or burnout)? Understanding the source helps determine whether the issue is situational or a recurring pattern that needs long-term change.

2. Assess the Impact of Your Behavior

Ask yourself:

• Is this behavior helping or hurting me?

• How does it affect my mental, emotional, or physical health?

• Does it align with my values and long-term goals?

• How does it influence my relationships and daily life?
  A behavior that consistently leads to negative outcomes—stress, conflict, or self-sabotage—is a strong candidate for change.

3. Recognize Patterns

One isolated incident might not require a major shift, but if you notice a recurring theme, it’s worth digging deeper. Do you repeatedly find yourself in the same type of conflict? Are you constantly feeling unfulfilled? Patterns provide insight into whether this is a momentary setback or a signal for long-term transformation.

4. Weigh the Costs of Staying the Same vs. Changing

Change is uncomfortable, but so is staying stuck in a harmful pattern. Consider the short- and long-term consequences of maintaining your current behavior versus making a shift. Sometimes, the fear of change keeps people in situations that are no longer serving them.

5. Check Your Readiness for Change

Using the Stages of Change Model, ask yourself where you stand:

• Precontemplation – Not recognizing the need for change yet.

• Contemplation – Acknowledging the issue but unsure about making a change.

• Preparation – Committing to change and starting to plan.

• Action – Actively working on changing the behavior.

• Maintenance – Sustaining the change and preventing relapse.
  If you're in contemplation or preparation, this is the time to explore strategies for making the shift more manageable.

6. Get Honest About Barriers

What’s been stopping you from changing before? Fear? Comfort? External circumstances? Recognizing these barriers early helps in developing a strategy to overcome them.

7. Seek Support & Accountability

Sometimes, self-assessment isn’t enough. Talking to a therapist, mentor, or trusted friend can help bring clarity. Surrounding yourself with people who support your growth makes the process easier.

8. Test Small Changes First

Not every behavior requires a drastic overhaul overnight. Try making small, intentional shifts and observe how they impact your well-being. If the change leads to positive results, it reinforces the motivation to continue.

Final Thought: Growth Starts with Choice

A wake-up call is a gift—it’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and choose a different path if necessary. The key is not to ignore it but to use it as a moment of self-awareness and empowerment. Change doesn’t have to be immediate or perfect, but the willingness to evaluate and take small steps can lead to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

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