Fit Focus: Look for progress not perfection 

We are solely responsible for the circumstances we find ourselves in and have to take personal responsibility for this. The powerful and transformative phase “for things to change, you must change first” is born out of this.

The idea is to get us to understand that for us to see meaningful changes in our lives, we must not wait for something or someone from the outside to alter it.

We must look inward at ourselves and adjust our thoughts, actions and mindset. It is, regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in, an idea that spans across all areas of life and applies universally.

The idea of change begins with the individual. Often, people find themselves stuck in negative cycles, whether it's unfulfilling jobs, unhealthy relationships, or poor mental habits.

The temptation is to blame the world around us — our bosses, colleagues, friends, or even family members—for the dissatisfaction we feel.

But in reality, while we cannot always control these external factors, we do have power over how we respond to them. The first step in creating positive change is to recognize that our reactions, beliefs, and behaviours are often the root cause of our struggles.

One of the first areas where change needs to happen is within the mindset. How we perceive the world around us shapes how we interact with it.

For instance, if we approach challenges with a mindset that views them as obstacles rather than growth opportunities, we will always feel defeated or overwhelmed.

On the other hand, when we cultivate a growth mindset, which encourages resilience and a belief in our ability to overcome challenges, we empower ourselves to handle difficulties more healthily and productively.

Changing our mindset is an internal shift that is essential for making lasting changes in any area of life.

Another key component of change is personal responsibility. It's easy to slip into the mindset that life is happening to us and that we have little control over the outcomes.

This perspective leads to feelings of helplessness and frustration. However, taking responsibility for our own choices, actions, and reactions is crucial.

This does not mean that we are to blame for everything that goes wrong in our lives, but rather that we recognize that our responses to circumstances are entirely within our control.

If something isn't working in our lives, we must ask ourselves: What can I do differently? This shift in responsibility opens up possibilities for positive action.

For any meaningful change to happen, we must shift our mindset to the idea of progress, not perfection. Often, people are hesitant to make changes because they fear failing or not achieving their goals exactly as planned.

The pressure to be perfect can prevent us from even taking the first step. However, real change doesn't require perfection; it requires consistent effort, even in the face of setbacks.

Adopting the mindset that mistakes are part of the learning process allows us to be more compassionate with ourselves and stay committed to our growth. Every step forward we take, no matter how big, small or imperfect, is another win along the path so just keep going.

Before you start your journey of change you must first set clear, actionable goals. Vague wishes for change can often lead to you becoming frustrated because they lack direction and measurable stepping stones.

When you break down big goals into smaller, bite-size actions, we can track our progress and adjust our approach as needed.

It is important that right through this process you regularly take time to check in with yourself allowing you to identify areas where you may be stuck or resistant to change.

Are there recurring patterns in your life that seem to repeat? Are there negative thought habits that keep you from moving forward?

Self-reflection offers the opportunity to examine your behaviours, thought patterns, and feelings so that you can consciously choose a different path. Through reflection, you can learn from past mistakes and refine your approach moving forward.

For there to be change it also often involves leaving behind old habits or environments that no longer serve your growth. This is the same as the forest fires, the old trees die off to make way for the new younger trees to grow up in their place.

While change can be uncomfortable, it is also necessary for creating space for something better. In many cases, we must get rid of what no longer serves us to make room for new experiences and opportunities.

Consistency is key during this whole process of change. A one-time change is often not enough to achieve the desired results.

Instead, sustainable growth comes from the cumulative effect of small, consistent actions day in and day out.

Whether it's committing to a healthier lifestyle, developing better communication skills, or practising gratitude daily, it's the consistency of these actions that builds momentum and fosters meaningful change.