Changing Ourselves

                   "Change for the better is a full-time job." - Adlai Stevenson

You can change, but first, you have to understand what it takes to do so.

Changing ourselves will require three things from us:
-Openness to change
-Willingness to change
-Continually making efforts to change

This pretty much sums up what is needed if you want to and feel ready for change.

How to know if you're ready

I think Eckhart Tolle said it best, "Awareness is the greatest agent for change." Change is a process that starts with being aware. All change starts within. Our focus of attention must be internal rather than external. Stop looking outside yourself and instead keep the focus on you- your character traits, behaviors, and feelings. This is hard, but real change happens when we understand our internal workings. This means being able to see the connection between our thinking, and our actions and how the relationship between the two has the greatest impact in our lives.

While self-awareness is the first step for change, commitment is the key to making lasting changes.

Personal change through commitment looks something like this: we honor and respect ourselves. There is a strong sense of obligation and accountability to ourselves. It comes with the realization that we can change ourselves for the better and that we are ultimately responsible for our lives.

Normally, we don't change just because we say we want to. Change must be backed up with action and more importantly with continuous efforts. And one of the best ways to keep up the effort is by sticking with your principles because that's what gives you the strength to persevere. Yes, when our behavior flows from our values, we are actively and positively engaging in our own change process.

Things to watch out for 

Resolve any discrepancies between what you say and what you do. Be aware of the ways in which you think and talk your way out of making necessary changes. Avoid self-sabotage, wishful or negative thinking habits, and examine your own rationalizations for going along with more of the same when it's clearly not working out. Look at the ways you habitually escape life. Stop numbing yourself with food, alcohol, TV, travel, getting lost in the drama of others, seeking high maintenance relationships, or whatever else your thing may be. Like I said, changing ourselves is work but awareness will help you to stop, modify, or lessen this pattern of behavior. We all do it and so what matters is that you be honest with yourself at all times. Be willing to approach things differently and change directions. Be consistent in your efforts for change. As the old saying goes, slow and steady wins the race and consistency is what will get you there.

Are you ready for change?

Thank you for reading!