Change: It’s an inside job
January 7, 2009 by ggoodwin
Filed under Be Inspired
January is the time of year when many people focus on renewal and resolutions. Whether it’s weight loss, finding a different job, financial success or one of a myriad of things in between, many of us resolve to improve and enhance our lives.
What we sometimes fail to realize is that setting goals and making improvements in life involves change, which can often result in an insurmountable hurdle — because it pushes us outside our comfort zone.
When you ask most people what the word “change” means to them, the first reaction is usually something negative, involving fear or trepidation.
We’re not happy where we are, yet we’re afraid to jump off the ledge, afraid of the unknown. We say we want change, but at the same time, it terrifies us. Whatever situation we’re in, even if it’s painful, sometimes it’s more comfortable to stay where we are because it seems even more uncomfortable to make any change.
Everyone desires change of some sort, but many of us don’t know how to achieve it. We commit to New Year’s resolutions, but by February we’re right back where we started.
The key is this: Realizing that change can only work when we change what’s inside of us rather than making changes to the exterior world around us. Change can’t be lasting unless we change our beliefs to match our desired result.
Tom Watson of IBM built his company on one simple premise. He looked to the future and saw the company he wanted to build as already built. He then made every decision from day one by asking himself what the successful IBM would do — and then went and did just that.
It’s the same with us. If you want to lose 20 pounds and be healthy, then put forth the actions of a healthy person. If you want to be a successful business tycoon, make decisions from that mindset, rather than a place of lack or fear. Look at the end result and act now, like the person that you want to become would act.
True and lasting change comes from going deep and changing your beliefs. Beliefs like “My entire family is overweight; it’s genetic” won’t help you lose weight, any more than “Money doesn’t grow on trees” will help you achieve financial abundance.
You can’t change your life with the same beliefs, thoughts, fears and habits that created the situation you wish to change. Change your beliefs and you’ll change your thoughts. Change your thoughts and you’ll change your habits. Change your habits and your life opens to unlimited possibility.
We have the choice to perceive change as something scary or something exciting. Our thoughts determine the outcome. If you’re not happy where you are, the only choice for improvement is change. Embrace change and remember it’s only when you have the courage to step off the ledge that you’ll realize you’ve had wings all along!
Tangible things to do this month:
1. Identify something in your life that you want to change.
2. Look at the beliefs you hold around that issue and let go of anything that doesn’t match your desired result.
3. Think new thoughts that support your desired result.
4. Create new habits from your new thoughts.
5. Take action by taking the first step.
6. Enjoy the new you!
– By Gail Lynne Goodwin
Goodwin, of Boulder, is the “Ambassador of Inspiration” for Inspire Me Today (www.inspiremetoday.com). Contact Goodwin at gail@inspiremetoday.com.
