Do you want a better, more satisfying life? So do I! If we want more successful and effective lives, we need to keep moving forward. I’m not just talking about doing more stuff and achieving more goals. I’m also talking about learning new skills, facing new challenges, and growing in maturity. In other words, to maintain forward progress in life, we need to avoid stagnation and continue to change for the better.
A thriving life is one of continual growth, slowly but steadily being transformed into a new creation—a person who is wiser, more confident, more skilled, and more focused on achieving what really matters.
We are capable of changing for the better
We’ve all been given labels by others—including our own inner critic—that tell us who we are. These labels may keep us small and ashamed, or they may create an impossible reputation to live up to. Either way, we don’t need to be stuck with them.
Isn’t that awesome news?
We aren’t defined by our past actions and attitudes (good or bad). We don’t have to remain stuck in old mindsets and lifestyles.
God is in the transformation business. And the first step toward transformation is believing it’s possible. The journey to a more authentic, quietly unconventional life requires a growth mindset and a willingness to keep changing for the better.
Change for the better requires letting go of old ways
“You can’t possibly embrace that new relationship, that new companion, that new career, that new friendship, or that new life you want, while you’re still holding on to the baggage of the last one. Let go… and allow yourself to embrace what is waiting for you right at your feet.”
Steve Maraboli
This quote is excellent advice!
In our effort to measure up, we cram too much into our lives, which leaves us too busy and too weary to devote the time we’d like to things we care deeply about. The only solution to this problem is to change our priorities and eliminate non-essentials from our lives. We must quit striving to fit molds we were not created to fit and accomplish tasks we were not called to do.
Only then will we have the time and energy to focus on what matters most and what makes our souls come alive. This letting go is critical. It’s what enables the transformation to happen.
Change is a choice
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
Abraham Maslow
Change takes effort. Change involves risk. It leads us into the unknown instead of staying within the safety of what is tried and true. And it means moving from the comfort zone of old habits into the awkwardness of new ones.
For example, when I began to be interested in writing, I kept that fact to myself. I wasn’t yet confident in my writing abilities, thus I was too insecure to admit I was a writer in public. At some point I was challenged to change that mindset. To continue growing as a writer, I needed to start calling myself a writer.
The first time I introduced myself as a writer, it was scary. But I did it. As I owned that identity (which was already true), I grew into the role and calling myself a writer became more natural.
Where are you staying in the safety of the old way instead of stepping forward into growth?
Not everyone is happy with us when we change for the better
In summary
To keep our forward progress in life, we can’t stay the same and rest on our laurels. We need to let go of our old habits and attitudes and continue to change for the better.
- We don’t need to remain encumbered with labels others have put on us. We can stand on the firm foundation of how God sees us instead of focusing on the opinions and expectations of others.
- We don’t need to remain stuck in the past. Our past does not define us. We can grow into a wiser, healthier, more authentic person (slowly but surely, one day at a time).
- As we journey toward a more authentic life, we have permission to change our priorities and to quit activities, goals, or habits we once thought important.
- When we change in order to grow, it’s going to upset a few apple carts. We will not panic and apologize for being so inconsiderate of other’s preferences that we dared to embark on self-growth. We will make applesauce and keep growing.
- A thriving, purposeful life is a never-ending process. We are constantly adjusting, learning, trying, and growing. There are no shortcuts or magic wands that will get us to our destination, only slow but steady change in the right direction.
Next steps to change for the better
Prayer
Thank you, Lord God, that you have the power to transform me. I am not stuck in my old habits, attitudes, and mistakes. You make me into a new creation and enable me to renew my mind and change my behavior. Help me set aside all that hinders me from running the race you set out for me. Help me press on, forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead—your good and pleasant will for me. With your transforming power, I can continue to change for the better.
Action
It’s time to let go of some stuff.
Label an empty box or large bag “Change Is Good.” Every day this week, look through your home for items that don’t reflect your personality or your values. When you find something that feels fake, or something you’ve never really liked, or something that creates a tiny squirm of shame inside you (for whatever reason. It doesn’t have to be logical), put it in your “Change Is Good” receptacle.
If you’re a decluttering pro, donate the “Change Is Good” items as soon as the container is filled. However, if getting rid of these things feels alarming, seal the container and store it in the attic or some other out-of-the-way place for a year. If you haven’t missed those items in a year, you don’t need them. Give them away.
Inspiration
Finally, let these words remind you why change is so important. Take courage and keep moving forward.
“Growth is painful. Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”
Mandy Hale
