Be honest. Have you ever thought: “This feels wrong”? Or, “I wish I could start.” Or, “If only I could stop?”.
Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I change my life?” or even, “How can I change the world?”.
You're not alone. We all have wants and needs. And some of us have inspirational dreams that pull at the heart and tug at the mind.
The truth is, there is always something you want to move towards, and something that you want to move away from. That’s part of being human. That’s how we are designed.
Change is a necessary part of life here on earth
Life is always changing and evolving. Take a look at your front garden, your news feed or in the mirror. Change can be slow, but it is everywhere.
At a human level, the need for change emerges from your need to live a more fulfilling existence. Change, though sometimes challenging, can be a pathway towards your heart's desire and deepest wishes.
Change offers the promise of greater happiness, contentment, success and a more authentic life. Change forces us to adapt, to learn, and to expand our horizons. It invites us to shed the burdens of the past and embrace new opportunities and perspectives.
Choose to do things differently. Choose to be different.
The first step to change is getting honest with yourself. When we cut through all the noise and expectations of life, we hear our own truth--this is the beginnings of living a life fully lived.
This means checking into how you really feel, your deeper truth, not just what you like, or what feels good at the moment. It means being willing to be open to something different than you've always done, or your parents or mates think is right or 'normal'.
Change asks us to see things as they really are… it means admitting you may be on the wrong track, or have hurt yourself or others. It means being vulnerable in admitting to yourself (and maybe someone else) that today, you choose to do things differently.
Yes, change can be uncomfortable. But the cost of not changing and evolving when life asks you to, or when you are stuck or hurting, can be more painful… sometimes with serious consequences.
Psychologist say…
Psychologists have written broadly about the topic of self-deception. It's hard-wired into us. Self-deception can be a survival mechanism, but it can keep us stagnant. Living in denial can be a comfortable refuge. Most of us are well practised at self-deception.
It shields us from the discomfort of acknowledging our flaws and the need for change. Not only that, but it protects the 'precious' ego that keeps us fed and housed.
However, it is in honest self-reflection that our most profound transformations take root.
The truth is self-deception might feel comfortable, but it is not your friend
Self-deception can be a comfortable refuge, shielding us from the discomfort of acknowledging our flaws and the need for change. However, it is in these honest self-reflections that our most profound transformations take root.
The courage to listen deeply
Often the difficult part about being honest without ourselves is having the courage to deeply listen to ourselves, or giving yourself the time and space to connect with your most authentic state.
Coaches are great at holding space and asking gentle, though direct questions to get to the root of what’s really going on inside you. We can support personal navigation and accountability towards positive change and a life fully lived.
It is essential to recognise that embracing change is not merely a choice; it is a fundamental to honouring who we are. It is fundamental if you want to live out your purpose or calling.
All things change. Either with or without your influence or control.
The truth is that when we resist change, you still change. But instead of taking steps towards your truth, towards a life of less pain and more contentment, the resistance creates tension, stress, worry, and regret. Like a bird flying upwind, or fish swimming upstream, energy is wasted.
Change is the bridge that connects who we are to who we can become.
Nuff said? Authentic State Coaching supports people who want or need change in their lives. Get in touch.
Sasha x