Sometimes we know we need to make some changes, but we don’t. That “personal baggage” might be things such as negativity, gossiping, and being uncooperative. You might not mean to be or do those things, but habits can be strong, and breaking them hard.
When you are moving to another state or changing jobs, it makes it much simpler to decide to discard a few things and be happy that you are shedding some baggage instead of moving it. Sometimes changing jobs will allow you to shed professional baggage as you get into a new environment.
But what if you want to make changes and shed some personal baggage and you aren’t moving or changing jobs? Then here are three tips on how to get started and succeed.
1. Recognize the problem. While that might seem simple, sometimes we are discontented with a job or place in our life and don’t understand the root of that problem. I have known people who thought they had professional problems, when in fact their home life was the real root of their dissatisfaction (and vice versa). If you can’t seem to find the root of the problem yourself or by talking to friends, seek professional advice. Getting new “tools” to help you better manage your life is a good thing.
2. Set goals. Yep, you should set personal (and professional) goals in writing with deadlines and enlist the help of at least one other person to ensure that you are serious about making changes and shedding that baggage. For example: I will go one full day without saying anything negative. Being aware of the goal and keeping it front of mind will help you be successful!
3. Reward yourself. If you accomplish a goal, reward yourself! That can be as simple as going out for ice cream or as extravagant as giving yourself a holiday.
It’s not easy shedding baggage, whether personal, professional, or all that stuff in the back closet. But with effort, you can succeed!