Pro-Tips for Making a Fresh Start without Feeling Guilty

Change can be hard for many reasons. First off, the actions needed to make change can be challenging and cause some initial discomfort. Friends and family might not be supportive or onboard with your decisions, and that can sting. Changing might require you to modify your behavior or prioritize yourself in new ways. If you’re not careful, guilt could derail your progress.

Signs of guilt include:

Talking yourself out of your new plans
Feeling bad when taking time for yourself
Sabotaging your efforts to change

Sometimes there are growing pains that come for everyone involved when trying to make a fresh start. The people in your sphere of influence may not have the desire to be healthier or make changes. That doesn’t have to mean that there’s no hope. You can take specific actions to tackle the guilt that can come from making change.

Check out these Pro-Tips:

Pro-Tip #1. Give Fair Warning. When you have decided to make a fresh start, give those who may be directly affected fair warning. If your changes will affect the family unit, have a family meeting and share what changes you are about to make. Set out your expectations and do what you need to do to make certain everyone is fully aware of your intentions. If your changes will happen in your workplace or any communities you are involved in, make a genuine effort to share your plans so people won’t be blindsided.

Pro-Tip #2. Be Consistent. Water seeks the path of least resistance. If you are managing people in your life who aren’t onboard with your plans, they will do what they can to try to get you off track. The more consistent you are with your plans, routines, and actions day-to-day, the more likely they will see that you are serious and won’t be deterred from your plans. Sabotage will be replaced with respect if you stick to your plans and aren’t wishy-washy.

Pro-Tip #3. Share Your enthusiasm and gratitude. The more you show how determined, excited, and committed you are to change, the more those in your sphere will get on board. You may even inspire them to make a fresh start somewhere. Be verbal about your achievements as you see the changes coming from your fresh start. Be grateful for any sacrifices that your friends, family, or co-workers may be making and share the gratitude as often as possible. The more you spread the love, the harder it is to stop the momentum.

You don’t have to feel guilty when you want a fresh start. Sometimes the feelings are tied to dysfunction that will be cured by making positive changes. Have faith, stay the course, and don’t lose sight of the goals.

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