Have you experienced a lot of change? Are you facing a change now? Change is hard. It requires investment, thought, and time. It’s rarely quick.
When you hear the word “change”, what do you immediately think of? Maybe words like “process, anxiety, uncomfortable, or even opportunity” came to mind.
What are you most afraid of about change? Could it be possible failure, the cost, the risk, or the unknown? Maybe it’s fear of starting over again or second-guessing whether you can do it or if it’s the right thing to do.
What motivates you to change? What propels you to change? Have you ever thought about that? It could be relief from pain or a desire for something new. Maybe the circumstances are forcing a change.
Your Turn:
Let’s do a little visualization exercise. Grab a piece of paper or your journal for this one.
Think of a change that is on the horizon for you……….it could be a transition, a new relationship, the end of something, etc. Write it down.
Ok, now look at what you wrote. When you look at this by itself, what are you experiencing? Fear, excitement, relief, anger, grief, overwhelm, uncertainty, severe anxiety…?
Think of the big picture: What’s the desire behind the change? Your “why”? Write down the greater purpose, the benefit, the longer-term effects of the change as you understand it now.
What happens for you as you start to think of the bigger picture and the longer term?
- Often it gives us purpose and helps us to endure.
- Maybe you feel you can breathe easier or any anxiety you had around this change is lowered.
- Sometimes the bigger picture helps us to feel a sense of freedom and independence.
- It can give us a more positive view.
From the place you’re in now, where you’re focused on where you’re going and why you’re doing it, what has happened to your motivation to activate this change? Be as specific as you can.
What happens to your motivation to change as you stay connected to the bigger purpose for it and the results of it?
Change can be painful.
As we get from where we are to where we want to go, there will be pain along the way. But as they say, “no pain, no gain”. It’s often a necessary part of the change process. We often have to shift our mindset.
What do you choose to be afraid of?
- No pain?
- Or stepping into what God has for you?
- In Scripture we read about the 10 spies who were sent into the Promise Land. 10 came back and dug their heels in and said “No” to change. But 2, Joshua and Caleb, said, “Yes, we can!” Will you be like the ten, or like the two and turn your difficult situations into opportunities? Will you be willing to step into what God has for you?
2 Motivators for Change:
Our motivation for change comes from 2 forces: PAIN and PASSION.
Either can be effective, but they’re different. Pain drives us forward into change. Passion draws us into change. Often people change only when the pain has become unbearable enough that they’re ready to take the next step.
As a coach, one of my roles (which I love) is to help individuals convert their pain to passion as they approach change. Coaching is often about challenging and changing habits! It’s the mindset. The perspective. The focus. When those things begin to shift, we’re more readily apt to change. “The Status Quo Must Go!”
As individuals, change is how we grow.
Are you ready to grow? Is God calling you to change in an area of your life? Are you willing to step into what God has for you in that area?
So what’s motivating you– Pain or Passion?
Next Step:
What’s your next step? What is God calling you to do?
Change can be scary and challenging, but the regret of not following God when he calls us to change is even harder. I’m here to support you and to help you navigate the changes God is calling you to as you live out His plan for your life. If you would like to talk with me about a change you are facing and the possibility of how coaching could help you navigate that change, fill out a contact form or sign up for a complimentary inquiry call and we can set up a time to chat.
