3 Ways to Initiate Change in Your Life

Change is inevitable in most aspects of life. No matter what we do, there will always be uncontrollable changes that affect us. But what about the changes we have control over; those we want to make in our lives but never do? Why is it so difficult to change? –Let's talk about three ways to initiate change in your life... big or small... and how to get started.

Like everyone else, I have undergone many changes in my life. Some came easily, others were more challenging; some were positive, while others, unfortunately, were not for my benefit. Yet, to change is to evolve—it's a vital part of learning, growing, and becoming the best version of ourselves. Looking back, I can see how far I've come and envision where I want to go. I’ve reflected on my failures and successes—understanding why they happened and how they shaped me. I recognize that I possess the power to transform myself and any aspect of my life at any moment I choose. Still, I know that change is often easier to talk about than actually doing.

Everyone desires to change something about themselves or their lives. However, we are creatures of habit, often clinging to the familiar and comfortable, even with the best intentions to improve. We dream of how great things could be, but often fall short of reaching those goals. My dad used to say, "Hold out your hands...now want in one hand and shit in the other and see which fills up faster."

So how do we change?...

"Of course, the first step is truly wanting or needing to change. But how strong is that desire? How important is it to you? Are you merely in love with the idea of the outcome? What's motivating you?

The reality is, change is challenging. It demands consistent effort, unwavering dedication, ongoing self-reflection, and honesty—with yourself and others. It also requires sacrifice. Are you prepared to let go of what holds you back? Are you willing to face the obstacles that come your way?"

Don't give up just yet—remember, YOU have the POWER to change your life. It's absolutely possible! Here are some empowering steps to help you start your journey and keep moving forward.

#1: What Is Your "WHY"?

#2: BELIEVE That You Can Change!

#3: What Are You Willing to Do?

Final Thoughts

#1: What Is Your "WHY"?

To create change in any part of your life, there must be a driving force that builds momentum. Progress only continues as long as the force pushing it remains.

This force is your "WHY."

First, you need to understand why you're making a change. Once you grasp this, it will become your focus and motivation to persist, even when things get difficult. However, I will say that having a "why" might not be enough. In truth, there is always a reason or a "why" behind wanting to change. The real question is... is your "WHY" big enough? How important is it for you to change? Do you want to change more than you want to stay the same? Your "WHY" must mean something significant to you. It needs to have enough power to keep you moving. Your reason for change must hold considerable value in your eyes. It has to be so crucial that even the thought of failure won't make you give up. I've experienced many failures in my life because my "WHY" wasn't BIG enough.

Challenge: Write down your "why" and the reason(s) it is essential and valuable to you. Keep this where you can see it and reflect on it every day.

#2: BELIEVE That You Can Change!

What good is the desire to change without the belief that you can actually change? If you don't believe you can, then you won't.

This is the area I have struggled with the most in my life. I want to share an important message: respectfully, stop telling yourself that change is impossible or that you're incapable of it. Let go of excuses and limiting beliefs—believe that you have the potential to achieve anything you set your mind and actions to. Often, these fears stem from a lack of confidence and self-worth—you're afraid to fail, you feel undeserving, or both. To move forward, you need to challenge your fixed mindset and limiting beliefs and start building your confidence. Remember, changing your mindset requires effort, patience, and willpower. It involves releasing past hurts that have shaken your faith in yourself. Return to that childlike belief that you can do and become anything.

Challenge: List your "I can't ____" statements along with the reasons you believe you can't do them. Then, rewrite each statement as "How can I ____?" and outline concrete ways to accomplish these goals.

#3: What Are You Willing to Do?

"Have you ever heard the saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way"? To bring about change, you need a strong will. The journey will likely involve obstacles, tough decisions, and perhaps starting over more than once. It may also require sacrifices. What are you willing to do to create a positive impact and achieve the change you desire?"

Often, you know what steps you need to take to make a change. The real question is: are you willing to do what it takes to reach your goals? Achieving this requires honesty with yourself and others. It’s not always easy—sometimes you have to face yourself in the mirror and acknowledge where you are and how you got here. This means digging deep within, confronting old wounds, and facing hard truths. While challenging, it’s essential for growth. You must take responsibility for your part in your current situation. Reflect on every aspect of your life and ask, "Is this helping me get to where I want to be?" Letting go of things that no longer serve you is crucial to change. Expect tests, challenges, and obstacles along the way. If you have a plan and stay committed, you'll stay on your path to improvement. When faced with setbacks or when things don’t go as planned—will you revert to old habits or stand your ground and keep moving forward?

Challenge: Create a list of people, places, habits, or things that hinder your progress toward your desired change. Write down specific actions you need to take to remove these obstacles from your life and how you plan to do so. Anticipate potential challenges or obstacles you might encounter while eliminating these influences and outline strategies to overcome them. Implement your plan consistently and refer to it whenever you feel tempted to revert. Track your progress by checking off completed steps and reflect on your journey through journaling.

Final Thoughts:

Creating change can be challenging, but with these three powerful principles, you'll build a rock-solid foundation for success. Remember: start small—celebrate each victory—and gradually tackle bigger challenges. Don't push yourself to the point of burnout; patience and persistence are key. Believe in your ability to create solutions—if you're committed to finding a way, you will.

Take action today—don't delay. Momentum breeds momentum, and every step forward is progress. Embrace failure as a vital part of growth; see setbacks not as defeats, but as invaluable lessons. When things go awry, pause, analyze what went wrong, learn, and adjust. Then, rise stronger and keep pushing toward your goals.

You've got this! Trust in your potential, stay resilient, and make your dreams a reality.