You know you want to do something different in your life but you find the course of change to be intimidating and/or overwhelming. Not knowing where to start, how to start, or when to start is enough to keep you right there in the mindset of complacency, but isn’t that what you are hoping to move away from?

Here are 3 actionable steps to help you conquer overwhelm, shed regret and get you moving immediately toward your goal of change:

1. RECOGNIZE AND ADDRESS THE FEAR

Fear is a feeling or emotion that senses discomfort or a lack of control over a situation.

Mindset is critical when making a change – big or small. How you approach the prospect of this new life change, and especially how you view the procedures required to make such a change says a lot about the underlying fear you may hold inside. A shift in mindset from negative to positive will often relieve discomfort and place you back in control.

For example, the negative “What don’t I know?” becomes the positive “What do I need to know before I jump in?”- “What am I lacking in skills?” becomes “What further skills will I need for this change?”- “There is way too much to do?” becomes “How can all of this work?”

Embrace the entire process with an eye on positivity and the fear will subside.

2. MAKE A PLAN

A plan is an orderly conception for accomplishing a goal or objective. It helps put you back in control and reduces fear.

Research, research, research everything you can think of to successfully make the change you desire. Compile mini to-do lists and break them down into small, manageable steps of action, actions that allow you to take back the control. Work these steps out to the end goal, then work it backwards.

Yes, backwards! You have just implemented the change, so ponder this:

How does having taken the steps and accomplished this change make me feel? How did it help me grow as a person and as a professional?

Motivation lies in the answers to these questions, and the momentum it creates will push you into that first very important step!

3. DO THE WORK

Take the purposeful steps, be curious about the new life you are headed toward and put the time in to do it successfully.

Whether it’s a change in a career you are looking for, a different lifestyle altogether, or even a healthier approach to living, the best way to begin the process is to take that first step. Follow your plan and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. Keep your eye on the end game and remember that the success is most often found in the follow-through!