The Importance of Change

FR VICTOR EMMANUEL S.J.

I believe that change is one of the most important rights that we have as human beings.  Yet, change has become something that people dread, avoid and fear. 

Everyone wants to lead a happy and fulfilled life. Yet it is not uncommon to feel at some point in time, that one is stagnating, or even that there is nothing to look forward to – a sort of dejection. At such times it is important to make positive changes in life; to rekindle that spark of living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment of it. Such changes, no matter how big or small, help a person grow and develop as an individual

Making changes, however, is easier said than done. It is human nature to be comfortable with things as they stand and to resist change.

Change is something we all shy away from because it may seem daunting or even scary, but I believe change is necessary. It gives us a different perspective in our life. From the minute we’re born we physically change. We know it’s the cycle of life, so we’re happy to accept it; but psychologically how many of us find it difficult to accept change?

BARRIERS TO CHANGEMost of us carry many of our negative

points like low self-esteem, fear, need-to-please, perfectionism and so on. This baggage is the biggest resistor of change. Thoughts and emotions driven by this baggage become deeply ingrained habits, which are very difficult to change. Negative emotions like fear of failure and hopelessness are also powerful obstacles. The environment that you have created to be comfortable with your negativity is another huge obstacle to change.

I think initially people don’t want to change, possibly because they’re scared of delving into unknown territory. A familiar situation is always more comforting. Also it is assumed that when we bring about change we take risks, which some people may not be comfortable with. That part I know is inevitable, but not so easy for some to accept.

HOW TO BRING POSITIVE CHANGES IN LIFEThink positive. Once you get used to positive thinking, it will help in forming new habits or changing old ones. It’s a great motivator.

Exercise – choose any physical activity you want. You will feel more confident and empowered, and you will definitely see positive things happening.

Focus on one task and one goal at a time. You will actually be less stressed and likely to achieve more this way rather than when you keep switching tasks.

Prioritize – identify what is most important to you, and focus on that. Do away with everything else.

Be kind to others. You will feel better about yourself

Create a daily routine. Make time for yourself, and do something that you really enjoy.

Recognize that life is not about all or nothing; accept the gray areas.

HOW TO EMBRACE CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE:1) Change Brings GrowthWe often fear change of any kind

because we are worried about it ruining things we like and habits that we have grown accustomed to.  Although this might be true, letting go of old practices is what makes us grow and mature as people and this can be very positive.

2) Changing Habits Brings LivingIt is in our human nature to build habits and routines into our daily lives.  This is why change can seem so scary.  Habits can be a way of us feeling secure, they can also be quite limiting and thoughtless.  We often get into daily habits that allow us to live without thinking.  Changing these habits forces us to think about what we are doing and why we do it.

3) We Can Change

Sometimes our fear of change comes from the fact that we do not think we can.  In The Imposter, Kip doubts his ability to conquer some of his tendencies and change for the better.  It is essential for teens especially to understand that we can change our habits, circumstances and lives if we desire to.

4) Change Can Come Slow

If you want to change something about yourself, it takes work and often times the first few pushes of the flywheel are the hardest. If you keep going, like a flywheel it will go on it’s own.

5) Change Brings A Breath of LifeEven though change can be scary, when we are taken out of our comfort zone we are able to look at ourselves, our lives, and our habits from a new place and re-evaluate.  This can be empowering and is healthy as teens or people grow.

THANK YOU