Yes, I'm changing, can't stop it now
And even if I wanted, I wouldn't know how
Another version of myself I think I've found at last
-Tame Impala, "Yes, I'm Changing"
Have you ever found yourself in a period of tremendous change? I’m not talking change like moving cities or switching jobs. I’m talking deep, emotional change. Change that transforms the way you see the world. Change the opens your eyes to a completely new way of living and interacting with people. That’s the type of change I’m currently experiencing.
I think in some ways we all long for this type of change. Most of us are aware of our least favorable qualities, but they are often difficult to shake. Our negative attributes have been with us since childhood (for the most part), and unlearning is a slow, slow process. At least, most of the time. Sometimes, change comes in great waves and in great seasons. I don’t know why this is the case, but I can attest firsthand to it’s truth.
I can’t give you the secret formula for change, but I can tell you some of the things I’ve been doing. If your stuck in stagnancy, some of these things might help. Can’t hurt, right?
Write every day
Get your brain on paper, ideally for others to read and give feedback. You’ll be surprised at what comes out if you keep at it for awhile.
Exercise every day
Move your body on a daily basis, in whatever ways you enjoy. I like to think movement on the outside is the catalyst for movement on the inside. I’ve certainly found this to be the case.
Learn something new
Take up piano, cooking, pool, whatever suits your fancy. Just make sure you can commit to doing it on a regular basis. I’ve been learning the ins and outs of contracting over the last few months, and it has been an eye-opening experiencing. It feels good to learn.
Build something
I’ve been building Modern Bronze slowly, and it has time and time again forced me to rethink how I operate in the world and how I need to show up moving forward. Build something beyond yourself, and you’ll set yourself to a new standard.
Find a mentor
Ideally, someone who’s been through some shit. Find someone willing to impart their wisdom onto you, and you’ll start seeing life in a different way. “Wise men learn from their mistakes. The wisest men learn from the mistakes of others.”
Get honest
Get honest in every way, with everyone in your life. Clean the slate so you can create space for the change you want to see. As the Law of Equivalent Exchange dictates, you’re not going to get something without giving. Give your truth, always.
Make a choice
So often we get stuck in indecision. It’s my opinion that whatever it is, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is making a clear choice, and sticking to that choice. Change without commitment is impossible.
If you make an effort to try these 7 things every day, you’ll be on your way to change before you know it. *Disclaimer* You can’t always determine the exact nature of change. Set yourself up to create movement in your life, then follow the change wherever it may lead. It’s out of your control as to when or how the change will occur, but trust it. Have faith. Know that you are heading in the right direction, and the right direction will inevitably find you.