“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” – Maya Angelou
There is a well-known quote by John C. Maxwell that states, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” In this fast-paced, high energy world that we live in, change is around every corner and there is no avoiding it. How do you recognize it? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as one may home. Change is an incredibly individual experience, and it’s different for everyone.
For some people, change is being forced against your will out of your comfort zone, thrown into a disorganized and unfamiliar state. For others, change is looking beyond your daily routine, trying something new or different, regardless of how little it may be. At the end of the day, change is what you make of it. This can either be a time to grow, reach new heights and discover the best version of yourself, or you can allow this time to break you, tearing you down and destroying your self-confidence.
Here are 7 thoughts that will empower you to embrace the change in your life:
1. Focus on the Positive
Many of us go through life afraid of the very concept of change. If you allow yourself to become overwhelmed by the potential negative outcomes that change may bring, you may struggle to see past this negativity, welcoming it into your life. Instead, focus on the positivity and the ways that this change can bring success and growth into your life.
2. Keep Swinging
Are you a sports fan? Regardless of which sport you may watch there is one thing in common – These athletes didn’t score goals (make hits, shoot baskets, etc.) perfectly the first time and every time. Instead, they have failed, missed and fallen short many times during their career, and yet they kept swinging ultimately leading them to success.
3. This Too Will Pass
The only thing that is guaranteed in this life is that change is inevitable. While you may be dealing with something challenging right now, rest assured that change will come, and this phase of your life will come to an end. The next chapter of your life is on the horizon, you just have to stick with it long enough to get there.
4. Trust in Yourself
We spend a lot of time and energy focusing on the people around us that we can or can’t trust, but far too often the importance of self-trust is overlooked. Real trust begins within yourself, and until you can figure that out, you won’t be able to fully trust the other people in your life. You can handle anything this time of change throws at you, but only if you trust yourself in the process.
5. Plan for the Unplanned
As a society we aim to plan for every possible outcome, ensuring that we are prepared for any possible outcome and whatever we may face. Planning isn’t a bad approach to life, but don’t allow yourself to be so caught up in your planning that you are ill prepared for the possibility of the unknown. Always be prepared to roll with the punches in the event you’re faced with the unexpected.
6. Use What You Have
Each of us possesses some incredible skills and tools to get through life’s challenges. The biggest mistake we often make is to focus on the things that we don’t have while remaining blind to what is actually at our disposal. Take a moment and assess what you are capable of right now and put it to use to move forward.
7. Expect Magic
Our highly science-based and ‘practical’ society often struggles to believe in the magic of the unexpected. Sometimes we are so busy worrying about what is happening here and now that we forget to look at the bigger pictures. Today’s struggle may lead to tomorrow’s miracle.