Ready to make a lasting change? Remember these 4 truths!

[Guest guest]

Like brushing our teeth, we regularly need to be reminded of what we

already know. I'd like to gently remind of a few divinely-inspired

principles that will make the process of creating change in our life

easier.

 

1. People can change (but you can't change them).

 

We all have the capacity to change, but lasting change comes from

within. Out side pressure may create a temporary shift, but true

transformation occurs from within. Out of the heart flows the issues

of life. Until one's heart changes, transformation is impossible. It

requires a personal commitment to facing truth and walking through

fear in order to step out of habits and behaviours which are our

comfort zone. So let us not waste our time trying to change others.

Focus on changing ourselves and keep praying for others.

 

2. Change is a process.

 

Some times, change happens " suddenly. " A cigarette smoker may quit

smoking or some one may suddenly make a major life-changing decision.

But most of the time, change does not happen overnight. Allow your-

self to fail, learn from mistakes and some more trials. Eventually,

just as we learnt to ride a cycle or read, change will take root and

won't take as much concentrated effort. Adjust your expectations so

that you give yourself the space to improve over time.

 

3. Fear is inevitable.

 

Expect fear and keep moving forward. Fear is the emotion that

threatens to keep us from trying our dreams †" if we allow it. One of

the keys is answering your " what if? " questions: " What worst can

happen if I fail? " " What worst can happen if I'm wrong? " " What worst

can happen if they say 'no'? " " What worst can happen if I'm not good

enough? " Answer the questions that win up fear and you'll begin

pushing through your greatest fears.

 

4. Move on.

 

Baby steps will get you to the finish line. Getting stuck is a

vicious cycle. Fear keeps you from taking action. Not taking action

ensures to poor results. Poor results convince you that you cannot

succeed. Consider your vision for this year and identify a simple

step you can take this week to move

you closer to it.

 

My Challenge to you This Month

 

Embrace the change you are trying to make in your life as a process.

Don't beat yourself up for not changing perfectly, succumbing to your

fears or taking baby steps. Allow it to be a process †" with ups and

downs †" until you get to your finish line.

 

Journaling Assignment

 

With regards to a change you want to make in your life, what is your

biggest fear? What baby step could you take forward despite your

fear?

 

Personal Prayer

 

O God, help me live my life intentionally and not by chance. Give me

laser-like focus so that I am not easily distracted by things that

are not true priorities for me. Give me the endurance to embrace the

process of becoming all you created me to be. I thank you for life

and longevity, for your wisdom and the possibility of greater things

to come.