Lasting Change!

[Guest guest]

Ready to make a lasting change? Remember these 4 truths! by Valorie BurtonThere is nothing new under the sun, but every now and then, we need to be reminded of what we already know. I'd like to gently remind you of a few divinely-inspiredprinciples that will make the process of creating change in your life easier.

 

1. People can change (but you can't change them).

 

We all have the capacity to change, but lasting change comes from within. External pressure may create a temporary shift, but true transformation occursfrom the inside out. Out of the heart flows the issues of life ,Until one's heart changes, transformation is impossible. It requires a personal commitmentto facing truth and walking through fear in order to step out of habits and behaviors inside your comfort zone. So don't waste your time trying to changeothers. Focus on changing yourself and praying for others.

 

2. Change is a process.

 

Occasionally, change happens "suddenly." There's the cigarette smoker who stopscold turkey or the person who becomes fed up and makes a major life-changingdecision. But most of the time, change does not happen overnight. Give yourselfpermission to fail, learn from mistakes and try again. Eventually, just as youlearned to ride a bicycle or read, change will take root and won't take as muchconcentrated effort. Adjust your expectations so that you give yourself thespace to improve over time.

 

3. Fear is inevitable.

 

Expect it and keep moving forward. In my book, What's Really Holding You Back?,I wrote that fear is the emotion that threatens to keep us from our dreams - ifwe allow it. One of the keys is answering your "what if?" questions: "What if Ifail?What if I'm wrong?What if they say 'no'?What if I'm not goodenough?" Answer the questions that conjure up fear and you'll begin pushingthrough your greatest fears.

 

4. Baby steps will get you to the finish line. Getting stuck is a viciouscycle. Fear keeps you from taking action. Not taking action leads to poorresults. Poor results convince you that you cannot succeed. Consider yourvision for this year and identify a simple step you can take this week to moveyou closer to it.

 

My Challenge to you This Month

 

Embrace the change you are trying to make in your life as a process. Don't beatyourself up for not changing perfectly, succumbing to your fears or taking babysteps. Allow it to be a process - with ups and downs - until you get to yourfinish line.

 

Journaling Assignment

 

With regards to a change you want to make in your life, what is your biggestfear? What baby step could you take forward despite your fear?

 

Personal Prayer

 

Lord, help me live my life intentionally. Give me laser-like focus so that I amnot easily distracted by things that are not true priorities for me. Give methe endurance to embrace the process of becoming all you created me to be. Ithank you for life and longevity, for your wisdom and the possibility ofgreater things to come.