How To Company
Personal Growth and Mindfulness

Challenges? Here’s How I Manage Change.

By Editor•Published on January 9, 2025•Updated on May 23, 2025
Featured image for Challenges? Here’s How I Manage Change.

Navigator's Field Notes

Use willpower as a starter, not a strategy

Willpower can get you moving, but it’s not sustainable. True change requires a deeper decision to shift your identity.

What change are you trying to make—and have you truly decided to be the kind of person who lives that change?

Treat yourself kindly to sustain change

Once the decision is made, fuel the change by giving yourself joy—not punishment. This builds the energy flywheel.

What’s one small activity that makes you feel good—can you schedule time for it today as part of your transformation?

HALM is maintenance for your human machine

Hydrate, Activate, Lubricate, Meditate—these simple actions form a lightweight, consistent system to support you through personal change.

Which HALM element feels easiest for you right now—and which one are you most likely to avoid?

You must decide to be, not just try to change

Counting days isn't the point. You’ll only move forward when you stop looking back and fully identify with the change.

Instead of asking ‘how long has it been?’ try asking ‘who am I now?’—what’s your answer?

Read full article: Challenges? Here’s How I Manage Change.

Image from Challenges? Here’s How I Manage Change.

If you’re setting out to transform in the New Year, here’s a summary of the process I use.
A link to a more detailed description and links to resource i use is included below.

3 Steps to Change:

  1. Open – Use your willpower as a starter. Open your mind to the possibility of change. Whether it’s cutting out a bad habit or adding a new practice, this phase lasts a maximum of 10 days. This is your initial push, your commitment to starting anew. Will power and patches might work for some people, I prefer this method.
  2. Decide – By day 10, you must decide to be. If you’re quitting smoking, you can’t forever count the days you haven’t smoked; you must decide you are a non-smoker. If you don’t decide this you’ll fail.
  3. Treat – For the next 20 days, be especially kind to yourself. Engage in activities you already love, be it painting, cycling, walking, or swimming. This is when you crank the energy flywheel, sustaining your new self.

    The process I use to maintain this momentum is HALM.

The HALM Steps:

  • Hydrate: Drink water. It’s fundamental for keeping your body and mind in optimal condition.
  • Activate: Move daily. Swim, walk, or do some alignment exercises. No need for marathons; just get your body moving to shake off the inertia of change.
  • Lubricate: Use oils or a sauna to reduce physical and metaphorical friction, keeping your body and mind running smoothly.
  • Meditate: Focus on your breath. It’s not about time; it’s about consistency and calming your mind to conserve energy for your transformation.

There’s more information and links to resource I use in the original post about HALM:
The Essentials HALM: Hydrate, Activate, Lubricate, Meditate

This system isn’t about spending hours grinding your teeth; it’s about doing enough to service your human machine during times of change. Give it a try, and see if it helps you through your New Year’s transformation. I’d love your feedback if it works for you.

Happy new year.

Image from Challenges? Here’s How I Manage Change.

← Back to Home