What Changes Are You Avoiding In Life?
Change is a constant in our lives and yet so often we resist it.
As human beings we are wired to avoid change because any type of
change, even change for the better, involves a level of
discomfort in some shape or form. The whole concept of comfort
zones evolved to explain the hedonistic psychological drive in
all of us to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Comfort zones -
characterized by the familiar, the known, the predictable - are
where we risk little except, of course, our spirits deepest
fulfillment. Change, by its very nature, requires us to step
beyond our comfort zone and let go of something we've become
familiar with - whether it be a the structure of our company, a
relationship, a routine, a neighbourhood or a physical
environment in which we've lived or worked - and adapt to
something new, something unfamiliar.
As someone who has moved around a lot over the last decade and
had four children along the way, I know all too well that change
can not only be uncomfortable but it can be inconvenient and, at
times, quite overwhelming (as every new mother will tell you).
However I also know that unless you are willing to embrace
change in your life you will miss the opportunities your ever
changing environment presents to you and will be unable to
create for yourself a life you really enjoy living.
Perhaps you are someone who feels very averse to change. A
'creature of habit' you call yourself. That is all fine and
good. But if your aversion to change has left you unwilling to
address the areas of your life you don't feel good about and
fulfill your own unique potential then it is coming at a cost to
you. In my experience when people choose to avoid change - even
positive change - it is because they doubt their ability to take
on the challenges that change will bring. Fear keeps them stuck
and resigned to the status quo. Is there something you don't
feel completely great about in any of these aspects of your
life? * Your relationships * Your home and work environment *
Your career (or lack thereof) * Your health and general sense of
well being * Your finances * Your sense of community * Your
recreation/leisure time * Your life in general!
What would need to change to bring into your life more of what
you wanted and less of what you didn't in whichever areas you
feel dissatisfied with? People who achieve true success in their
professional and personal lives are those who view change not as
something that is 'bad' and to be avoided but as something that
is necessary if they are to move forward toward the goals that
inspire them. They don't resist. They embrace. Likewise the only
way you can ever have the life you'd really love to live is by
proactively going out and making whatever changes need to be
made. But what's that you say? You feel scared, daunted even?
Well of course you do... you're human! No-one is born immune to
fear and self doubt. We all experience it. Likewise, no one is
born with an absence of courage. Courage lies within each of us
and is not an absence of fear but action in spite of it. So
whatever changes you have been putting off know you are capable
of taking on much more than you have been giving yourself credit
for. Stop underestimating yourself!
Sure your life right now might be relatively easy and
'comfortable' but that doesn't mean it is truly rich in the
stuff that makes it truly rewarding and meaningful. Upgrading
your experience of being alive in the world requires willingness
to continual personal growth. Growth does not occur in comfort
zones. In fact the only way you can grow into your full
potential is by stretching yourself a little now and then, and
as you do, leaving behind the old in order to experience the
new. When you approach change with the right attitude you will
become much more confident in your ability to handle life's
challenges and to take on bigger, more exciting challenges that
really inspire you. Today I encourage you to take one small
action toward addressing something you feel dissatisfied with.
It may require a change to your daily routine, who you hang out
with, your commitments, your eating habits, your spending habits
or to your willingness to have a conversation that you've long
been putting off... whatever! The most important thing is to
step into action and as you do remember that you really are much
much more capable and courageous than you think you are!
2005