What if you changed nothing? What if this time next year, you are experiencing the same struggles and challenges you are today? How would you feel? How much time, money, gifts and other resources would you be wasting or saving? Would you be happy or feel joy? Or, would you feel bored, stuck or maybe even miserable?
People either dread and fight change, or they embrace and accept it. Some even initiate change. Everyone responds differently to life transitions. As a professional coach, I help clients who innovate, embrace, accept and resist change. For those who resist change, I ask the question, “If you change nothing, how will you feel a year from now?” Typically, that is an indicator if it is time to move forward.
One reason we resist change is fear of the unknown, or fear of failure. However, what if that change brings happiness, joy, or success? No matter how simple or complicated it is, what if that change helps you achieve positive results?
One obvious type of life transition is changing jobs. I recently worked with someone who was with the same company for over 8 years. Although she did experience a promotion, she felt like she was stuck. But, she resisted stepping outside that comfort zone and seeing what else was out there. However, she cringed when she thought about being in the same place a year from now. If she did start looking, she could find something more challenging where she could use her gifts and talents, and possibly do something more creative! The positive possibilities outweighed the thought of being stuck in the same place a year from now.
There are many types of transitions such as downsizing and moving, starting over after divorce, becoming an emptynester, changing careers, and starting a new business. All have pros and cons. In order to move forward, you have to seriously consider the positive outcome. Personally, I look at change as a gift from God. It is an opportunity for new beginnings. Sometimes saying, “Yes!” to change is the best option!
I embrace change. Change is constant and I’ve learned that to really grow, we much accept change and learn to adapt to be our best!
I’ve always considered myself a risk taker. Change is usually good. Without it, we stagnate and die. I don’t embrace change just for change’s sake, but if something has to be changed to improve my life, I’m all in!
I’m one of the lucky ones who does well with change. I like stimulation and change creates that.
I couldn’t really imagine changing nothing… while I am resistant to change, I am more inclined to change at my pace, my choice in my time… I know to increase my biz, I need to constantly be revising, and I have. Good stuff!
The first thing we need to remember is that change is the only constant in our lives. Change happens all the time, and we can fight it if we wish, but we will lose. One of the best quotes I’ve ever read about change — and I’m talking serious, losing-limbs type of change — is this. Ask yourself, “What can I create from this?”
Change nothing? How boring that would be. Yes, I am one who embraces change. I love new challenges and new opportunities, learning and growing. Perhaps it was growing up a military brat with many moves, in my life I have learned to look at change as an adventure to be eagerly anticipated and not feared and dreaded.
Great post! I love change. I know, I’m not the norm. I did a year of downsizing and a year of no retail shopping. It changed my life for the better in ways I couldn’t even imagine.
Jody, I remember your year of downsizing! Your documentary of the journey was so enlightening and a testimony of your faith. I think your change, or transformation, helped others take a explore what we accumulate. You always amaze me! Blessings!
Marie, Thank you for sharing! Wow…many moves as a child (or an adult) presents so many challenges. Having an attitude of adventure is awesome! I agree, new challenges, opportunities, and growth create an exciting life! They are opportunities for not only change, but transformation!
Jackie, Oh so true! Love this! “What can I create from this?” Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing, Kristen. Very true! It is great when we can have some control through change or transformation.
Roslyn, thank you for sharing your thoughts on change! I agree! You and I share the passion for art and creativity. Change can stimulate and spark creativity!
Carol, Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Risk taking definitely stimulates change and transformation. Life would be boring without it. 😉
Erin, it is exciting to embrace change! So many people fight it…love hearing when people accept it and can see growth or transformation. Thank you for sharing!