As a coach I have come to realize that people usually change for one of three main reasons. The first two are reactive to events in life. The third is proactive, and puts you strongly in the drivers seat.
3 reasons we change
1. We are forced to. Sometimes people find themselves in situations where there is little or no choice in how you will behave. Circumstances or other people force us to make a change. For example: you see a counsellor because your partner threatens to leave if don’t; or you stop smoking because your doctor says if you don't you'll lose your fingers; or you finally submit your tax return the day before you will receive a big fine. In this form of change you are disempowered, a victim trapped in a situation where you have little or no option.
2. A crisis strikes. Sadly life is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people every day. Commonly when a crisis happens people take the time to take stock of their lives and make a long needed change. For example: a cancer scare makes you take notice of your health; or the death of a friend, loved one or even celebrity makes you realize that life is short and precious and you need to start creating your dream life, without delay. Waiting until crisis strikes is a passive and risky way to live your life. Leave it too late and you will miss your chance.
3. Personal Development. In my opinion this is the best and most enlightened way to change. Here you are in the driver’s seat, in full control of your destiny. You decide you want to change your life, but are aware that you need some help and guidance. Perhaps you borrow a self help from the library, take a course online or attend a local workshop. If you need more accountability and more of a personal touch attending a group program, a retreat or receiving personal coaching will help you change quickly and effectively. The key to successful personal development is finding an author, coach or mentor who you resonate with, who is an expert in the field you want to develop or who can help you fill in any knowledge gaps.
It’s your life! Life is fleeting and extremely precious. So you have a choice... to drift through life, accepting whatever it throws at you, reacting only when you are compelled to... Or you can chose to begin your change right now. First get very clear on what you want to change and why. Then decide what your priorities for change are. Next, determine the best source of personal development for you: if you are self-motivated and know exactly what you want to change then self study is a good option; if you need more direction, accountability, support or nurture then set out to find a good match for you and what you want to achieve. I urge you not to delay, you deserve a healthy, happy, abundant life and you can begin to create your dream life today.
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