How Eager Are We To Change?
This last week was focused on, “We can be so eager to change our lives, yet we are too timid to do something life changing. Many of us harbor a deep-seated desire for change, an eagerness to transform our lives and reach new heights of fulfillment. We yearn for meaningful shifts in our existences where we envision a future as the creators of our own success stories. We look to alter our bodies to a more positive health conscience way. Yet, ironically, the same eagerness that fuels our dreams often collides with a reluctance to embark on truly life-changing endeavors. Why do we hesitate, and how can we bridge the gap between the eagerness for change and the timidity to take life-altering actions?
This odd paradox resonates with many of us. We daydream about healthier lifestyles, thriving careers, and enriched relationships. We crave the satisfaction of achieving our goals. However, when the time comes to make bold decisions or leap into the unknown, fear and hesitation can cripple our resolve. It's as if we are standing at the edge of a diving board staring down at the water, there is an eagerness to jump yet a paralyzing fear of the unknown. This uncertainty often leads to “what ifs.” These “what ifs” lead to regrets and sometimes those regrets can have us blame others for our own setbacks.
First, as human beings we are the owners of our happiness and overall direction. We choose the things in life that make us happy, regardless of the situation we are in. Much like being depressed about a rainy day. Yes, it’s gloomy and wet, but then remember the plants and wildlife around us need that water to survive.
Secondly, we get captured by the comfort of routine. The known, even if it's far from ideal, provides a sense of security. Stepping into the unknown requires courage, as it involves shedding the safety net of familiarity and confronting uncertainties. I still fall for this as my own schedule is built on the day, nonetheless absurdly consistent. I find mixing up or abstaining from routine is exceedingly difficult for me to process. However, If I am aware of this stagnation, I can start minor changes to develop new routines or practices to help send me in my desired direction. Since I don’t have to return to my corporate job until 2024, I can use that time to put focus on other important changes I wish to make, like meditating more or just sitting still for a few minutes. These moments, outside my norm, may help me see the path I want to take or show me the possibilities of putting more time into helping others.
Upon finding time to process my thoughts, and not mindlessly watching a screen. I can start to design a game plan.
1. Paint a vivid picture of the life you desire. Don’t focus on fame and fortune, instead on the characteristics you wish you were known for. Who is the best version of you? Clearly define what that person does, thinks, acts, behaves to help set your goals and aspirations. This clarity serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the journey of change. It does not have to be detailed but it has to do with what you expect of your life.
2. As you begin to call out these things, break it down into the easiest thing you can. For example, the hardest thing about running is the minute or so to put on your shoes. It’s not even getting out the door, but the simple step that guides you into your desired result. It could be to have your lunch ready before you go to bed. It could be the 5 minutes into waking up where you journal about what you hope for the day. Really anything to help get your momentum.
3. Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn. A growth mindset enables you to see setbacks not as roadblocks but as steppingstones toward personal development. You will fail sometimes, but you have to choose to be a failure to actually be a failure. Failing is often part of the process and needed to help you overcome and learn new things.
4. Identify and challenge beliefs that may be holding you back. Often, it's not external factors but our internal narratives that hinder progress. Replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. For example, most people consider Monday as the first day of the week. I like to think Saturday is my starting point because I get two days to sort out my week and think about my intention more. If I think about it more, I grant myself more chances to use that thought to guide decisions.
5. Growth resides outside of your comfort zone. Understand that discomfort is a natural part of any transformative journey. Embrace it as a sign of progress. Not every day will have a ton of progress, but every time you try to move towards discomfort, we learn how to be more resilient.
6. Share your aspirations with a trusted friend, mentor, coach, or community. Having a support system creates accountability and encouragement when faced with challenges. This is why there is We, The Collective Fitness. This is just as much of a support group as a fitness company. We can hold each other up and help when we need it. No man is an island.
7. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. Small wins build momentum and reinforce the positive changes you're making. This is another great reason to have a community to share with. They will be just as happy about your wins as their own.
The eagerness for change is a powerful force, but it requires a counterpart—action. To transform our lives, we must confront the inertia that keeps us tethered to the familiar. By defining our vision, breaking down goals, fostering a growth mindset, challenging limiting beliefs, seeking support, embracing discomfort, and celebrating wins, we can bridge the gap between eagerness and life-changing action. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but the destination is worth the courage it takes to get there.
