What gets in the way of our change? Many things do, but it mostly comes down to fear.
None of the obstacles we face are insurmountable, but they can often cause us to put off major changes. So be aware of them. Here are a few of the common issues we often face which cause us to put off the change we desire to make.
Fear of change- Fear of being uncomfortable
- Fear of uncertainty
- Being tired
- Fear of failure
- Fear of not being good enough
- Not having time
- Waiting for something to happen
- Perfectionism
- Being overwhelmed with all that you have to do
- Not knowing how
While these are all “real” fears, they don’t actually mean anything. Yes you are scared of failing or speaking in public, but it’s simply that, a fear. Overcoming these fears or trying to move past them is not going to injure you; in fact it will only make you a stronger more confident individual.
- Find a purpose
Some people stumble through life without every knowing their purpose, or being to afraid to embrace it. What’s important is to give yourself the time and attention to really discover what your purpose in life is, or what you want to make it. And once you know it, it’s important to keep it at the forefront of your thoughts. The best way to do this is to write it down or create a vision board and place it somewhere that you will look everyday and then take a few moments each day to really look at it. Often we write things down and they become background to our busy lives and soon they blend in with our surroundings. It’s important to not allow this to happen, so take the time to focus solely on your purpose.
- Embrace your desire
Desire is what drives us. People who want to change or want help have that desire in them. It’s probably why you are reading this article now, because you know there is something which you have the desire to change, whether it’s your purpose in life, or your career path, or an addiction, something needs to change and you realize this. So embrace that desire. It’s within you for a reason. And there’s nothing funny or embarrassing about becoming the best you that you can be. In fact it’s incredibly inspiring and motivating to others.
- Create the space
Change takes time and requires space. You can’t force change into an already busy lifestyle. If you have made commitments that keep you busy from sun up to sun down, you will be too consumed with holding these commitments to ever focus on your change. Create the space for it. When is the best time to work on yourself? The mornings, at lunch, perhaps in the evenings? Choose the perfect hour for you and then carve out even just 10 or 15 minutes. Push back the menial activities that you do each day, such as television, social media, or games and instead focus on pushing yourself to be the best version of you that you can be.
- Surround yourself with positivity
Often times people can’t make a change because of the environment that they are in. They are surrounded with worldly things that consume their time and energy and they are left with nothing left to give to themselves. This also is the case when we surround ourselves with negative and consuming people. Take a step back from your world and really view it. Which relationships are a drain on you? Which relationships and settings are not conducive to helping you grow? Begin to weed these things out as you advance in your growth. Sometimes this requires you to make a large change, such as a change in your setting. A move or a visit to an establishment that is available to help you through this transition is often the best way to do this.
- Hold yourself accountable
This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to answer to yourself. Although, you should. Make sure that you are being honest with yourself. If you didn’t complete a task or perhaps you faltered in your journey, why did it happen? Don’t make excuses, admit to yourself that you stumbled, and recognize what you need to do in order to stay on track tomorrow. Find one other person who will hold you accountable for your actions. Make sure you have someone that understands the change that you are trying to make and is available to hold you accountable. This may be a friend, a support team, a coach or an accountability partner. Tell them not to let you off the hook.
- Take a small action
Change is scary for people. And large changes can seem overwhelming. Just remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Start with small things. If you have large goals or changes that you want to make, break them down into smaller tasks. And then focus on those smaller tasks. Slowly ticking off each one of them will make you feel accomplished and before you know it you will have completed your main goal and with ease. This is when you can set new goals for yourself.
Life is a constant journey of growth. If we fail to recognize the growth power within us, we can find ourselves at the end of our lives wondering how we spent it and wishing we can change so much of it. Start small, hold yourself accountable, and embrace the desire you have for your purpose in life.