Journey
Staying on Track
When we take on big changes in our lives, we don't always get it 100% right the first time. Staying on track takes practice and learning from what has happened and having a plan for next time is what counts. That includes making sure to look after yourself too.
When we take on big changes in our lives, we don't always get it 100% right the first time. Staying on track takes practice and learning from what has happened and having a plan for next time is what counts. That includes making sure to look after yourself too.
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Changing old habits, attitudes and behaviours can feel like you're going against the current. Just like the new ways of doing things you've learnt, remaining on course takes practice too. The good news is the more this becomes your new normal the easier it gets. Here's some tips to keep what you've learnt in mind and stay on track.
Have awareness- Recognise that sometimes change can feel lonely - that's a prompt to reach out to someone you trust
- Not following the way you used to do things because it's familiar or easy
- Accept yourself and acknowledge your mistakes/past behaviour, because we all make mistakes
- Receive feedback from others
Practical things to do- Practise your new skills and keep them top of mind
- Forgiveness - of yourself and others
- Using safe time-out
- Plan for situations that could derail you and how you'll manage/avoid them - role play them in your mind to practice how you want to respond
Positive things to do- Make good memories, time for fun and laughter
- Have family/whānau time
- Practise gratitude - what are the things you're grateful for?
- Plan for the future - set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-based) goals
- Celebrate your progress - remember the small things are important progress too
- Compare life before to now
Communication- Daily check-ins with your partner, taking time to listen
- Talk to your partner, not at them
- Plan how you can share roles in your household
- Responding, not reacting
- Talk about how you're feeling
- Use respectful language
- Positive self-talk
- Learn how to apologise, compromise, trust
- Be honest, understanding
- Be assertive without being aggressive or passive
- Try not to minimise things or blame others when things go wrong
Support- Check-in with your support people often - keep in contact and reach out when you need to
- If you've completed a programme ask for more sessions if you need them
- Have supportive people around you, this includes people who are prepared to challenge you
- Think about how you can keep learning and growing - what information and who could support you?
- Get help for any other issues affecting you, like grief and loss if your relationship has ended
- Find or start support groups with other people on a similar journey of change too
- Share your journey with others
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Tools
These tools can help you put into practice what you've learnt on this page
Looking for help for someone else?
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