Welcome to our new series, How to Make Change Happen! Change can feel like a daunting mountain to climb, especially if you have ADHD or are juggling a million things at once. That’s why we’re breaking it down into simple, actionable steps over three parts to help you make meaningful changes without the added stress. This first part focuses on a critical first step: identifying what needs changing—and now, with Brili’s Focus of the Month feature, you have a dedicated tool to apply these insights directly into your daily life.


The Psychology of Change: Why It Feels Overwhelming


Change is a fundamental part of growth, but it often feels overwhelming—especially for neurodivergent minds. According to Dr. Heidi Grant, a social psychologist and author, “Our brains are hardwired to resist change, as it’s often perceived as a threat to stability.” For people with ADHD, this resistance can be amplified by executive functioning challenges, making it even more important to approach change in a way that minimizes stress and maximizes clarity. By addressing change correctly, you can create a smoother, more sustainable path forward.


Introducing Brili’s “Focus of the Month” Feature: The Bridge Between Insight and Action


To make identifying and implementing change easier, we’re excited to introduce Focus of the Month, a new feature in Brili! This tool allows you to reflect on the specific changes you’d like to see in your life and plan out how you want to get there. It bridges the gap between recognizing what needs changing and actually making it happen. Whether you’re working on eating regular meals, improving time management, or getting out the door on time, Focus of the Month helps you integrate these steps into your Brili routines and take action with intention.


Hitting the Brakes: Pause Before You Decide


Before diving headfirst into making changes, it’s important to pause. Yes, even if you’re hyperfocused on a particular issue right now (like reorganizing your entire closet at midnight). ADHD brains thrive on momentum, but not every change is the right one to tackle immediately. Taking a moment to hit the brakes allows you to evaluate what’s truly important to you and your life right now. The Focus of the Month feature helps you document these reflections and revisit them throughout the month to stay aligned with your goals.


Setting a Healthy Focus: Less Stress, More Clarity


Change doesn’t have to come with stress or pressure. The key is to focus on making changes that align with your values and bring you closer to the life you want to live. When you’re choosing where to focus your energy, ask yourself:

  • What feels most overwhelming or unsatisfying in my current routine?
  • What’s one area of my life that, if improved, would have the greatest positive impact?
  • Am I making this decision based on my values or external expectations?


The Power of Value-Based Decisions


Instead of being driven by fleeting motivation or societal pressures (like that endless barrage of #NewYearNewMe posts), focus on changes that align with your core values. Here’s how to identify a value-based change:

  • Start with your motives: Why do you want to make this change? Is it because it genuinely matters to you, or because you think you “should”?
  • Think about your ideal life: What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of daily experiences align with that vision?
  • Consider long-term impact: Will this change make your life better, more manageable, or more fulfilling in the long run?


Identifying What Needs Changing: A Step-by-Step Guide


If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple framework to help you figure out what might need changing in your life:

  • Brain Dump: Take 10 minutes to write down everything that feels like it’s not working in your life. No filters, no judgment—just get it all out on paper.
  • Highlight Your Values: Look at your list and circle the items that impact the things you value most. For example, if family connection is a core value, prioritize changes that support that (like reducing work stress or creating family rituals).
  • Pick One Thing: Start with one small, actionable area of change. It’s tempting to overhaul everything at once, but focusing on one thing sets you up for sustainable success.
  • Define Success: What does progress look like for this change? Avoid perfectionism and think about small wins—like setting up a morning routine or dedicating 10 minutes to a new habit.


The Easier Path to Change


By starting with value-based decisions, you’re setting yourself up for success. When you align your actions with what truly matters to you, change becomes less about willpower and more about living in harmony with your goals and priorities. The Focus of the Month feature makes this even easier by providing a structured space to outline, track, and refine your progress.
Until the Next Part Is Released - Relevant Reads
While you wait for Part 2 of the series, here are some additional resources to help you along the way:


What’s Next in the Series?


Now that you’ve identified what needs changing, Part 2 of the series will explore how to make a plan for that change. We’ll dive into setting realistic milestones, breaking goals into manageable steps, and staying motivated through the ups and downs. Stay tuned!Change doesn’t have to be stressful—it just takes a bit of clarity and intention. Start small, focus on your values, and let Focus of the Month help you turn insights into action.