Every one of us has something in our lives we'd like to change. Sometimes we're ready for change—a change in jobs, a change of scenery, a change in our physical or financial state.
Whatever our desire for change, one thing is almost always certain—change is difficult. Why is that? After all, most changes we desire are typically ones that'll bring about goodness and happiness. Well, for starters, resistance to change allows us to rest in a place we have become comfortably numb. Despite the promise of a brighter outlook, there's a certain amount of solace in sticking with the status quo. Don't fall for it! If you're ready to affect real change in your life for whatever reason, consider the following keys. They'll help you make the changes you desire and increase your chances for a successful and lasting outcome.
1. Determine why you want to change. The why behind the desire for change is an often overlooked aspect that is hastily considered, if it is considered at all. Most times the reasons for our desire for change is so obvious (to us) that we see little reason to give it much thought. However, if we spend a little time on the why, we begin to realize its inherent power. You see, knowing the why and believing in the why are subtle shifts in thinking that can make a huge difference in determining whether or not we stay on track to seeing our changes take place.
2. Change only one thing at a time. A central focus on one central issue provides clarity and prevents us from becoming overwhelmed. This approach allows us to break things down into smaller, more attainable goals. Reaching these attainable goals empowers us with the fortitude we need to handle increasing roles we'll likely face as we seek greater change.
3. Focus on what you have to gain over what you have to lose. One of the biggest reasons people resist change is based on a fear of loss. We see change as an unknown while we see our current circumstances as the comfortable known aspect of our lives that we have come to accept as a permanent reality and one we fear losing. It doesn't have to be that way. You can lose weight, get into better shape, establish loving and powerful relationships, become more successful, financially independent, or whatever else you desire. You just have to stop viewing your current circumstances as "good enough" to keep you in a state of resistance to change. You must also change the way you see your current circumstances by reframing them from something you have to lose to everything you have to gain by embracing change.
4. Set realistic expectations. Some will say we should eliminate time limits as we seek change. Although there is some truth to that statement as it relates to patience, it can be misleading. Instead, I advocate that we should set realistic expectations. It's true that change is a process and not an event. Therefore, some changes take time to fully materialize. Knowing that, however, should not relieve us of the responsibility to operate with an attitude of expectancy and recognize the seasons of change as we take actions to ignite change.
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| "Change is a process and not an event." |
In order to effectively embrace change we must not view change as an attack on our current way of thinking, rather a fresh new mindset that prevents us from fighting against ourselves. Unfortunately, our brains are wired to resist change. Knowing that up front arms us with the knowledge and awareness it takes to embrace change instead of avoiding it.
The next time you're faced with a challenge to accept the status quo or to enact change, pause for just a second to allow the surge of the moment to take affect and reveal the magic of your alternatives. This subtle action will yield powerful results and give you the power to embark on a brand new course to bringing about the changes you seek in your life. Take back the power of choice that's yours and watch the changes begin to abound!
Until next time...
-G-
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but by building the new."
~ Socrates
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