Last week I was on a call with a colleague who continually complained about so many aspects of her life. After listening to her ramble on relentlessly, I finally asked, “What are you willing to change?”
She stopped talking and with an indignant tone, said, “What do you mean … what am I willing to change?”
I explained to her that I am a firm believer that until something changes, nothing will change, and that there is no point in constantly complaining unless she is willing to do something different.
So many people get stuck like my colleague. They complain and lament about their lot in life, but they are unwilling to do anything, or think any way, differently.
It’s really quite simple. If we want things to change, then we must change something. Anything!
I’m not saying that the actions required are simple, they may be the hardest thing we will ever do, but the notion is.
Think about it. How can there be a different result if the same actions and behaviors occur? Albert Einstein called this insanity, and yet, it is the way most live their lives.
“Until something changes, nothing will change.”
Here is a exercise that can help you take stock of what you are experiencing, enact change, and regain your power.
First, write down the top three areas of your life that need a bit of an overhaul. Be as specific as possible. This can be the amount of money saved from each paycheck, your relationship with (fill in the blank), your current job position, wanting to eat healthier, etc.
Next, on a scale of 1 to 10 (with one being the most important), ask yourself how much to you really want to achieve each goal. Place them in order of importance.
Then, make a list of what can be done to achieve each. List any tasks or strategies that can be implemented.
Finally, evaluate what action you are willing to take. It’s one thing to have a list, but another to commit to action. Begin with baby steps, but get moving!
Would your life get better if you chose to do something different? Starting today? Even right now?
What are you waiting for?