changes in your life - does it call for drastic change, or should it be gradual?
By moirai
@moirai (2948)
Philippines
January 27, 2011 1:39am CST
First off, this is my first discussion here, so I hope it will be acceptable. =)
I was reading something yesterday wherein the author says 'the best change is radical change', as opposed to gradual change. The example he mentioned was quitting smoking. So for him, going from 20 sticks to 0 is better than tapering from 20 to 15 to 10 to 5 to 0. He even said that according to research, the tapering method rarely works.
So my question(s) is/are:
Do you agree that drastic change is better than gradual change? Which would you go for if you wanted to change something in your life? (Note: I don't just mean smoking. This can be anything you want to change in your life.)
Thanks in advance for the replies! =)
3 people like this
9 responses
@xstitcher (39034)
• Petaluma, California
21 Aug 18
It depends on the change. I had a drastic change in my life last year that I am still slowly getting used to (suddenly living on my own). I have never smoked, but my Mom quit cold turkey and it worked for her.
1 person likes this
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
9 Jun 11
i believe it depends more on a person's determination. drastic or gradual change can be effective or ineffective depending on how one responds to change. change is pain, so they say. whatever way, it will not be hard. ergo, it depends on a person's attitude to change. 
1 person likes this
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
The thing is, drastic change is easy to achieve but has no long lasting effects compared to process of tapering. If you plan to change your life for the better, the best way to do it is through a series of routines and processes. Based on research, they say that to develop a new habit, you need to do it daily for at least 21 days. This information can greatly help if you wanna change something from your life and substitute another one that's more productive.
1 person likes this
@moirai (2948)
• Philippines
27 Jan 11
True. I suppose starting/making a change, whether you do it gradually or otherwise, is not the only thing that matters. It's also important that you follow it though, make a conscious effort to sustain it, to avoid going back to the old ways that you are trying to change.
Thanks! =)
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17380)
• Canada
28 Jan 11
If asked, I would always say that I'd prefer the gradual changes. I could then set goals, and mini goals, and milestones, etc. before the anticipated complete change. But, I have experienced drastic changes in my life too. And I've found that I could cope with that kind of change as well.
A few years ago, I packed up my family and moved a few thousand miles to a new country, new culture, and without any prospects for a job. It was a very difficult change, and as drastic as could be. Now, I could look back and say that I survived it, and I'm all the better for that change.
@NoWayRo (1061)
• Romania
27 Jan 11
Hi moirai, and welcome to myLot.
I do agree with the author of the book regarding smoking (that's how I quit) and some other things in my life, but not all. For instance, if I want to start eating healthier and exercising more, it's probably for the best to start small. I mean, of course I'll throw away all the phone numbers of the delivery companies, but I'm pretty sure I'll have moments of relapse every now and then. Also, I guess I won't go exercising for three hours from day one, I'll just start with 15 minutes and grow from there.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
29 May 11
Personally they are right when they say that Drastic change usually yeilds better results more than gradual change, and that you often will look at things in a different realm and perspective as well. The main thing is did you learn anything from this, and are you a better person? Overall with anything in life if you cannot put your whole heart and mindset in it can you really set out to do what you're wanting to do as well?
1 person likes this
@Bellapop (1279)
•
22 May 11
I think both will have its own benefits. It all depends what you can cope with, there is no harm in trying both – being drastic or doing something gradually and then seeing what the outcome and effects are and how you manage it. You would have to assess the circumstances in question, for example, going on a diet of drastic change apparently is not always a good idea – like losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time. Also is the same with exercise, going from doing no exercise and then running 10 miles a day is not good! Whereas if you are doing something harmful to yourself then of course stop immediately!
@epiffanie (11327)
• Australia
28 Sep 16
It depends on what we want change .. We need to be practical wit hour time frame when we are planning change because drastic change can be dangerous .. For instance, losing weight may take time because we need to be gentle with the body .. But with financial management, most of the time, we need drastic change.. It would include cutting up credit cards and avoid shopping in a spur of the moment thing ...
