Change happens, and it often
happens whether you want it to or not—and it’s not always for the best—but it
can be. Change also happens when we make
it happen. Yet, so many of us are too often afraid to create change because we are afraid to fail. So, if you’ve lost
confidence in your inner ability to create change—think about the following
questions. Then, answer them honestly.
1) Do you take your power or
inspiration from external sources or from within yourself? 2) Do you read and look at ads and commercials
and think to yourself, “This is what I need; this is what I have to do; this is
how I should look; this is who I want to be?” This is important, because you
know yourself better than anyone else, and you are the one who should be in
charge of what you want to change—not an outside source who tells you what and
how you should do or be. It takes some thought, and it takes some time, and it
takes resolve, but the results stay with you because you are the one who is in
charge. And, you are the only one who can make it happen.
We know repeated behaviors
eventually turn into habits. And we know improving willpower long-term requires
commitment (drawing on our inner ability). We also know as individuals we never
stay the same. But, to create change, we have to expand our zones of comfort.
We have to develop those behaviors that turn into habits, and then we have to
change them—it’s the habit of changing
habits that builds inner confidence (that little, or loud voice that says,
“Yes you can do this”).
Now, let’s take change and our
ability to change, and apply it to our personal health and wellness (because
after all, that’s what this Blog is about).
Mindful choices made each day will
result in steady changes leading to sustainable health and wellness. The effect
is cumulative—and what we do—or don’t do, determines our success and our
overall wellness and well-being. Imagine thinking of laying a foundation of
wellness as you would think of breathing—in other words, not as a one-time choice
but an automatic response and action. So, take a deep breath. Your values—and
actions—speak to what is most important to you in life. Where is your focus? We
suggest that rather than focusing on all the reasons for why not, or why you will fail,
focus instead on all the reasons you will succeed. Keep in mind those things
you do well and use those accomplishments to foster a sense of achievement.
Belief is the common element in all
forms of achievement. When you believe in your ability to achieve, you are
actually setting a goal, and your mind and actions take you where you need to
go to reach that goal. When faced with a problem or situation you want to
change, by creating change for yourself, you become the solution. The
rewards are endless. That inner power can influence not only your health and
wellness, but also those pieces in your life you might not even be aware you
want or need to change.
The
takeaway—What do you think would happen if you put yourself in charge when it
comes down to looking at your ability to create change? Hmm . . . You might just become your own lifeline
to your health and wellness decisions and choices.
