Why Change is hard and what to do about it

Written by Gina Parris | 11 January 2010

builttowincoaching.com

Are you getting tons of emails about New Year’s Resolutions,
New Year Plans and Predictions, and other New Year Promises?
I am – almost to the point of weariness. Still, I truly want to encourage you that TODAY – not later – you can be closer to your Passionate Promise. (You know, I hate to call them “goals.”)
WHY CHANGE IS HARD – AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT!
Changing is hard. It implies that something is wrong with the way you are right now, and it means moving into the unfamiliar. Perhaps most challenging – it means overcoming the power of HABIT!
Habit is like it’s own gravitational pull on your dreams and promises. How can you make 2010 a year of true change and growth?  Here are some of my thoughts. I am totally preaching to myself here. If any of it helps you, than jump in with me!
1. Accept Yourself Just as You are Right Now – Shortcomings and All. Get honest with yourself about what is holding you back, and just accept that this is a perfect place to begin. Chances are if you look closely, you will see areas of your life where you have grown so much more than you give yourself credit for. Give yourself some grace here. After all, the God who made you is extending HIS  grace. What do you gain by resisting such goodness?
2. Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
No discipline seems pleasant at the moment, but afterwards it yields great fruit.  If you go into the year knowing that following your calling will be uncomfortable much of the time, than when you feel the aches and pains you won’t be tempted to quit. As my Marine Corp buddy likes to tell me, “Pain is just weakness leaving the body!” It’s true emotionally as well. Discomfort is just bad habit leaving your game. Keep playing to win, and like a sore muscle, the discomfort will soon lead to greater strength.
3. Be Transformed by Renewing Your Mind
I’ve interviewed dozens of high achievers on how they turned their lives around, and I’ve read multiple dozens more.  Almost without exception, the turning point came through 2 things: 1. Realizing that SOMEONE believed in their potential 2. Becoming a disciple of new ways of thinking.
Ultimately no one else has the power to change your thinking. Left unchecked, your mind will simple absorb the thoughts beliefs and attitudes of those around you. The Bible doesn’t say that God will renew your mind. YOU have to do it. You get to find out who you truly are, and how the Kingdom really works. The Truth you KNOW will make you free.  Do whatever you can to put Truth in front of your eyes, in your ears and on your tongue at all times.
Truth is greater than deception.
Life is greater than death.
Joy is greater than sorrow.
Light is greater than darkness.
Mercy is greater than judgment.
Victory is greater than failure.
Action is greater than hesitation.
You don’t have to get it perfect this year. Just get it going!
I’ll be right here…in your corner!