The internet and social media are littered with cliché quotes, GIFs, and memes on how change is hard but worth it. How to buckle down and do your best. Let’s be honest about all that—the motivation that they provide is temporary because motivation is temporary. It isn’t that helpful, and really most of it is genuinely cliché. However, there are practical and useful ways you can take action to prepare for a big change so that you can walk into your future with your head held high and know that you really are prepared.

1. Be Practical

The best way to be prepared for any situation is to face it practically. Taking a step back from the overwhelm of the situation you are facing and creating a sound plan is the best first step. Having a general plan in place will give you the recipe of which to work and makes pivotal changes a little less scary. Be sure to break down the significant steps you will need to take into smaller action steps, so you don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture. A solid, practical plan will also give you a blueprint to refer back to when you find yourself lost in the midst of all the new.

• Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best

With your blueprint created, start working through the change(s) you are planning and try to identify any pitfalls that may occur. Be practical about these as well. Don’t jump to the “what if I fail” dramatics but consider issues such as reworking your schedule or what to do when you lose motivation. Planning for the worst of situations, but hoping for the best, will allow you to be prepared without dwelling on the what-ifs.

• Gather Your Support System

Very few people undergo major changes entirely on their own. Great for those people that make it through, but do not let that be your default plan on this journey. Gather a support system around you. People that love you and have your best interest at heart. Let these people know the change you are making, why, and ask for their help or support along the way. Teamwork makes the dream work after all.

Big changes can be intimidating and scary. However, by taking these three steps before making the leap will help. Approaching a major change with practicality, a plan that allows for pitfalls, and a support system in place can make the difference. Not only the difference between succeeding or failing but in enjoying the process rather than slogging through the trenches. www.TransformationalLIfeCoaching.com.au