What will change cost you?

Don’t just change your circumstances to improve your life. Change yourself to improve your circumstances.

If you are unhappy in your life, you may feel the need for change. But what kind of change? There is an old saying that says, “When everything falls into place, I will find peace…” But no, “…Find peace and everything will fall into place”.

You see, real change in your life starts as an inside job. The thought of change is often seen as hard and overwhelming. Most of us don’t like change. We want improvement but we don’t want to pay the price that goes with it.

Firstly, Know yourself. Understand your strengths and failings. Appreciate the lessons you’ve learnt thus far on your journey.

Second, focus on what makes you happy. What kind of things bring you joy? Do more of that!

Thirdly, recognise that time is precious. Don’t waste it. Each day is new and brings new possibilities. Say yes to more experiences. Don’t be afraid to say no to situations you don’t want to be a part of.

Yes, change is hard. It may cost you time. It may cost you friendships. But what will it cost if you do nothing? If you do nothing, you’ll pay the ultimate price of never improving.

I have realized that not only is change a long process, it is also a continual one. Human beings are complex and have many, many layers.

Challenge yourself. In all your choices and attitudes – always check the why of how you are feeling and reacting. Do this every day.

By challenging yourself in this way, you can look at yourself objectively. You can separate yourself from your attitude. The goal isn’t to condemn or judge yourself, it’s to be able to see yourself clearly so you can make positive changes in the way you think.

People often have 5 or 10 year plans involving goals and where they want to be at the end of that time period. Often, this means what they want to have in 5 or 10 years.

How about a different 5-year plan? Who do you want to be in five years? What kind of qualities and attributes do you wish to expand on? What fears do you wish to leave behind?

Five years ago, I was someone who wasn’t very in touch with myself. I said yes to other people, and often no to the experiences I wanted to have. I gave my time to others and did not do the things I really enjoyed.

Today, I take time for myself and I do things that bring me joy. I take time to be creative. I still care (probably too much) about what people think of me. I still struggle letting go of other people’s misconceptions of me.

In five years, I wish to be more confident in myself, and care less about how people perceive me. I aim to be more travelled, and more creative. I wish to know and love myself better and be more in touch with the “why” of my decisions and attitudes.

What about you? Think of yourself five years ago. Think of yourself now. Appreciate how far you have come. Now, think about yourself in the future… What kind of person to you want to be?