Change is not easy. It can be disruptive, which can make us feel as though we are losing control of our lives. Yet, even when we do embrace change, we can become impatient because positive change takes a while to yield results. Focusing on how we are not seeing results can distract us from the work required and, over time, becomes demotivating and keeps us from achieving our goals. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to continuing walking the long path to change.
1. Start By Defining Your Intentions
Changes are rarely made for the sake of change—they are a product of intentions and goals. If you feel yourself starting to get off course, stop and ask yourself the following:
● Why am I making these changes?
● How do these changes help fulfill my life’s purpose?
● What goals will I achieve with these changes?
Asking yourself those questions will help you stay on course, and as things change and distractions appear, you can adjust to match the current state of your life.
2. Stay Present
Neither the future nor the past exists. So when you are working toward a goal, you should keep an eye on the road ahead but pay attention to how you are walking right now. If you focus too much on the past, you will begin to manifest doubts. If you focus on the future, you will become impatient and lose track of what you are doing. Grounding yourself in the present moment will keep you on the right path.
3. Focus On Your Strengths
On any journey in life, you will come across road hazards. You may even find that your path is blocked and you can’t get around the situation. However, life is a balance of both failures and successes. Failures do not mean that you will not eventually achieve success. Concentrate on your strengths and envision the many times you have overcome challenges. Accepting that not only do failures happen they also do not reflect your ability will help you build resilience. Resilience will help you step over any barriers on your path.
4. Build A Supportive Community
No one achieves anything on their own. Accomplishing our long-term goals and living our purpose requires support from a community. Be intentional when building your community. Look for spiritual leaders and compassionate mentors who have walked the same path before and can provide you with a roadmap. Seek out people whose paths intersect with yours so you can walk together. Search for people looking to find the path you are on and show them the way. Communities create understanding and care. If you have a moment of doubt or start to stumble, they will hold you up, so see to it that you don’t give up.
Ultimately, change is not a destination—it is a path. Though it is often difficult, with it, you can live your true purpose. All you have to do is to stay focused on your objectives, build a community of support, and never let your impatience, ego, or fear keep you from pushing forward.
I talk more about those steps in The OM Factor. In that book, I recommend the essential tools you need to not only stay on the path to change but to lead others to seize the opportunities and possibilities on the road ahead as well. Stay on the path because no matter how challenging the road becomes, you will always be grateful for the journey.
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