Embracing Change

Change is often difficult for people to accept, and yet it's happening all around us. The only constant in life is change. When you find that things are not as you want them to be, it's time to get comfortable with change.

The Comfort Zone

Change means stepping beyond the comfort zone and into the unknown. Your comfort zone is that place where you are accustomed to living. It may or may not actually be comfortable; you can be miserable but avoiding change because at least you know what to expect within the confines of where you are now.

In order to transform, you need to be willing to risk learning something new. You need to be open to new possibilities, realizing that you will grow and become stronger in the process. This new learning experience will expand your comfort zone, offering you increased personal freedom.

Change

What does change mean to you? How do you cope when placed in a situation where something needs to change - and that something is you? Usually, change results in better things. Often the fear of change is really the fear of not knowing what's around the other side of the change.

If the idea of change stirs up feelings of fear, start noticing how the fear impacts you. Recognizing the fear - where it comes from and what it feels like - is an important step to moving forward. Embrace the feeling; don't ignore it. But as you embrace it, ask yourself how the fear serves you? What is it you're really afraid of?

Change means responsibility. It starts with accepting responsibility for where you are right now, knowing that you have the ability to take your life from where it is and make the changes necessary to reach your goals. Responsibility starts with an increased awareness of the way things are, the way you are. Not the way you think they are but the way they really are.

Two things are required for initiating change, openness and willingness - an openness to deeper understanding of what can be possible, and a willingness to let go of the way things are. In order to transform, you must focus on the vision you hold for the future instead of the past or the present. It means clearly defining the vision you see for yourself, then making a commitment to take the steps necessary to reach your goals.

Change also means excitement, challenge and opportunity. Being open to the possibilities means creating a life beyond what you can think of today. It means that there are no limits to how wonderful life can become.

Keep the focus on what you want your life to look like and stop putting up with people or things that get in the way of your dream. Identify the source of those obstacles and deal with them. Remember, you are responsible for your life and it's course. Stop getting in your own way! Right now, this minute, you have the power to change your life. Make the commitment to no longer accept mediocrity and you have taken the first step.

Moving Forward

Change can be initiated in increments - a small shift in thinking, attitude and actions can create dramatic results in helping you change the course of your life. Believe that you can create a better life and visualize yourself there. What will it feel like on your new path?

What you think about most of the time, you bring about. You can choose what you think about. Don't focus on what has to change, rather think about what it is you want - that vision you have for your future - and you will naturally move in that direction. Immerse yourself in thinking about your new vision. Create a picture, collage or write about your vision and post it where you can see it regularly.

Some changes are inevitable, like the changing of the seasons and the passing of time. You have a choice over how you experience these events. You can perceive them as a rich part of the wonders of life or as an unfortunate interruption of your routine. People who have difficulty accepting the passing of the years are often the ones who are not fully living. It is from this lack that they fear the loss of time. And yet, they have the power to choose a different experience.

Getting Ready

What needs to happen for you to be ready to change course in life? What lessons are presenting themselves to you right now that you must learn in order to move forward? What needs to happen for you to accept responsibility for creating and embarking on a new path? Be honest about where you are and where you want to be. Years have a way of slipping by. If you are not ready now, then identify what you need to learn in order to move forward. Wake up! Your life is waiting.

Julie Fuimano is a Success Coach and co-founder of Nurturing Your Success, Inc. Her passion is coaching clients on leadership and career development, communication, team building, marketing and branding. Take your life to the next level. Visit Julie at www.nurturingyoursuccess.com, write to her at Julie@nurturingyoursuccess.com or call her directly at
(484) 530-5024.