The
only thing constant in life is change, unless youre at the vending
machine. The calendar is at the end of January; do you know where
your New Years resolutions are? Every year millions if Americans
dedicate the start of the year to changing their lives and the lives
of those around them. They believe they can change their lives with
the calendar. They feel they will enrich their way of life with
additions and deletions throughout their daily routine. The unfortunate
truth is that the changes made on January 1st are generally absent
within thirty days. What is the deal with change? Why is it so difficult,
even when we know it is good for us?
It was December 31st; my wife and I were in the car on the way
to Key West. We placed our New Years resolutions on paper and were
ready to start the year off right. We vowed to increase our focus
on family, save money, get more involved with the community, read
the Bible every day and increase our health with more efficient
workouts. As we looked at the list we saw it was very similar to
last years, and the list from the year before! I have a feeling
you know what I am talking about.
Change can only take place when you truly make the decision to
change. The change often will not work until you are willing to
make the change deep inside, not just on the surface. Just because
it is the New Year, it does not mean that your efforts to change
are going to be successful. You must have the will and the want
inside you to commit to the change.
I seldom understand why people are so surprised and often disappointed
when things change or they are required to change. You may have
heard people say years ago, Ill never use those computers! Where
are those people now? Those individuals must realize that successful
people are changing people. I would be disappointed if someone promised
me that five years from now I will be the exact same person, with
the exact same job and the exact same bank account. Change is good,
and change is easier when we internally realize this.
My wife and I approached our changes with four concepts in mind.
One; change only happens when you decide to change, not when the
calendar changes. Two; understand that the change process will not
be perfect, but be willing to make the sacrifices you may have to
make. Three, start moving now! Just get moving, no matter what you
do. Even if the move is tiny or seems insignificant. An object in
motion stays in motion. Four, keep your eye on the prize. See the
results of the change even before you start. Keep your focus on
those results every step of the way. Focussing on your dreams of
improvement will prevent you from focussing on excuses.
The four points mentioned above are meant to sound simple. They
will turn your New Years resolutions into real plans for improvement.
The concepts have worked for us and they will work for you. Remember
that there are only two types of people, those who are changing
and those who are resisting change. Making voluntary changes now
will prevent you from being forced to make mandatory changes later.
Find that resolution list that is only a month old and decide to
change your life for the better!
