Julie Donley

Health, obesity, work, addiction, relationships – life. Does it have to be so hard? Is it possible for life to be easier than this?

After being laid off three times, divorced, struggling with debt, illness, obesity and addiction, I began a quest for an easier way and to help others struggling with similar circumstances overcome adversity and thrive through change.

In my book, Does Change have to be so H.A.R.D.? I write, “Hard or easy, it’s how you think about it.” Through my years of experience as a psychiatric nurse and personal coach as well as my own hardships and triumphs, I discovered that there is an easier way to approach change.

People facing seismic changes in their life have the power to change things for the better but often hide behind a wall of fear, self-doubt and negative mental conditioning. In order to change something in your life – be it weight loss, overcome an addiction, improve a relationship, experience happiness at work – you must bring down that wall to release your power and take charge. Once you start believing in your ability to change, you can create powerful, positive habits that allow you to be fully who you are and enjoy your body, work and relationships.

In my book, I use the acronym H.A.R.D. to explain why change is so difficult: people find themselves enslaved by Habits, Attachments, Resistance and Discouragement. In the end, they often lose the fight. This is why 40-70% of marriages fail, 50-90% of people relapse from addictions and 95% of people who lose weight regain it and then some.

In the quest for an easier way, I present eight simple strategies for making a change without struggle or stress:

1. Commit to change.

2. Envision a better future.

3. Develop the characteristics you need to succeed.

4. Create an environment to support the change.

5. Take action.

6. Celebrate your success along the way.

7. Laugh and enjoy the journey.

8. Adopt empowering beliefs.

Follow this path to become a master of change – overcome the fear, let go of the past and enjoy this life experience. Change is not the enemy; fear is. Not changing is often very painful and can impact your health as well as your happiness and life satisfaction. It’s time to change how you think about change. Your life depends on it.

Today, I enjoy a great life with my husband, Lou, son Josh, stepso Jael and our five cats.

For more information about me or to hire me as your coach or to speak at your next event, visit my website www.NurturingYourSuccess.com.