CHANGE: IT’S HOW WE MAKE PROGRESS

I have chosen to post this Blog today because today is the ninth anniversary of my first day without alcohol. This excerpt from Chapter 7 of Change Your Thinking, Ignite Your Life played a significant role in how I embraced Change and used it to my advantage.

“If you recall where I was when I started this process and compare it to where I am today, it is easier to see the progress than if you measure it daily. It’s the daily commitment to the process that results in progress.

I had to make a commitment to change. I had to understand change isn’t something to fear. I had to remember what the Canadian rock band Rush told me when I was a teenager, “Changes aren’t permanent, but change is.” This is a dynamic, ever-changing world, which means we need to embrace rather than fight change. Our world, our relationships, everything changes. Every day is different than the prior one, so we need to be different. We need to change and grow in the ever-changing world in which we live!

You cannot grow without changing. Progress requires change. Most people want things to get better for themselves, but that is impossible to achieve without the element most people fear the most, which is change. Be patient with the process. But always be willing to change if you find a better way, or if your perspective opens your eyes to a different right answer.

I realized that there are only two things that can change your current situation. Those two things are your actions and time. As you have no control over time, the only catalyst for change you have is the actions you take between now and that point in the future when things are different.

Since the only action that matters is the one you take next (because you certainly can’t take one in the future), then the only thing that you can control is what you do now. That’s why it is so important to do the next right thing, to do the next thing that would get you closer to your goal. It’s like when you get a piece of furniture, kids’ toy, or Lego set that needs assembled. You must take the next step to get to the finished product. You can’t do step 10 before steps 1 through 9 and expect the desired outcome. So, take the next possible step today. Get closer to your goal, even if that next step isn’t the final one.

Your action will probably be small, so be patient and understand that change is gradual. Your life did not get to the point where it is overnight. It took many years of practicing habits that you are now trying to change for you to get to where you are today. It will require positive actions and time to get to your desired destination.”

Change is possible.

Believe in yourself, focus on the process, and acknowledge your progress!

Great things will happen!