Change begins with hope. When you make promises to yourself to change, you are making a promise to yourself to bring yourself to a higher level. When you are hopeful and are willing to take on change, as scary as it may be, you are honoring yourself and your true potential. If you are willing to accept and embrace change, you must be up for the challenge. We all love a challenge, right!?
You made up your mind and you are ready to take on the challenge. You are doing great, regardless of what it is you are going after but then… you hit your first setback. You ask yourself what is wrong with me and why it is so hard for me to commit myself to such a change!? The little voice inside your head keeps haunting you and suddenly it gets the best of you, questioning your capabilities and self-doubt creeps in. Maybe you take on the challenge of not allowing your mind to get the best of you and force yourself to prove that you can do it by setting stricter goals. Maybe you allow your mind to get the best of you and convince yourself that maybe you aren’t capable of making the change? Here is when you either allow old habits to creep back into your world or take control and continue on, with confidence, that you can and will make a change!
Self-transformation doesn’t happen over night but you CAN overcome negative patterns one step at a time. If you are patient with yourself and accept your setbacks, you can change your life and your ways. When it comes to making a change, being patient and compassionate with yourself is going to offer you the necessary strength to make changes. No matter what it is you are trying to change, a negative behavior or committing yourself to a positive behavior, be patient with yourself and know that you have the power to stick with your goals and follow through, making a permanent change in your life!
Being hard on yourself is not doing anything to help you make a change. A behavior does not shape or define who you are. A behavior is just a behavior and you are who you are, regardless of a slip up or minor setback. Rather than focus on your flaws or setbacks, focus on the person you are and the person you are becoming, with each situation. Acknowledge that you deserve whatever it is you are setting out to change or achieve. You are worth the effort it is going to take for you to make a change. Be patient with yourself and don’t allow stress or any setbacks to get in your way of making a change. If any negativity comes your way, let it go and keep moving on. Give yourself credit for all the positive things you are doing and have taken to initiate change. Remind yourself that you are human and humans make mistakes. Remember that they are an important part of your journey. Don’t allow any mistake, big or small, set you back mentally or physically but rather give you the fuel to push forward.
Patience allows for permanent changes. Patience means being able to accept that change takes time and the ability to be supportive with yourself when you may be facing a moment of weakness or a set back. Remember the various positive reasons why you are embracing change: growth, to be healthy, to heal, whatever it may be, and you will be more likely to succeed! Don’t beat yourself up for any imperfections and never stop going after what it is you really want. Patience will allow you to keep moving forward without giving into that little voice that is trying to tell you, you can’t. You can but it WILL take patience.
Keep reminding yourself of the positive motivation behind the change you are after. Give yourself credit for your positive choices and actions you are taking to change. With patience, time will pass and every small step you take will lead you to the change you desire. Embrace any mistake as an opportunity to grow and learn. The problem is not the “mistake” but how you decide to deal with the mistake. It can either become a positive opportunity or haunt you, possibly causing you to give up on yourself. Studies have shown that whether you’re trying to lose weight, start exercising regularly or change a bad habit, accepting yourself for where you are (Owning it) and forgiving yourself for any and all setbacks, makes you more likely to succeed.
When you think of changes you would like to make in your life, no matter what they are, think of them as a positive opportunity for growth and the ability to bring yourself to a higher state of being. Every step of the way, even when you are tempted to throw in the towel, remember that being patient with yourself will give you the strength for permanent change. With no self-doubt, know that you are in control of any change you want to make! Go after change and understand that change is key to Kaizen: constant improvement!
Are you up for the challenge? What change are you going to commit to today to help you be a better you tomorrow?
