But the fear holding us back is usually no more than an imaginary barrier that we’ve envisioned in our mind. To knock down this barrier, we need to massively outweigh the negative obstacles we’ve created, and replace them with even bigger reasons to move our lives forward.
Here’s a mathematical formula for change: D x V + F is greater than R …or… Dissatisfaction x Vision + First Steps is greater than Resistance to Change.
We have to make our reasons for doing something greater than our resistance to change. When we’re looking to make changes, it’s usually because we’ve got sick and tired of putting up with the circumstances of our current existence. Whether it’s our job, relationships, career, lack of money – whatever we’re dissatisfied with, we have to analyse the problem and make it a motivating force for action. In other words, we need to get down and dirty and really be honest with ourselves; life has much more to offer than the scraps we’re getting, and we’re not going to miss out any longer.
The power of this dissatisfaction can be multiplied by envisioning how good things will be once we’ve made the changes. To mentally focus on a life of plenty is a great feeling – we’re in control of our destiny because we took responsibility for change. Our resolve becomes stronger the more we can visualise our success.
Our minds can not hold positive and negative thoughts at the same time. So by actively focusing on positive thoughts, and simultaneously pushing out the negative ones, we strengthen our will, and weaken the power those downbeat feelings had over us.
Once we’re mentally prepared, we can add the first steps towards change. Small, encouraging moves build confidence, and we start to generate a positive feedback loop which pushes us to more action and then more self-esteem and confidence. Building on these areas eventually overcomes and breaks down our resistance to change.
W N Murray, a member of the Scottish Himalayan Expedition wrote:
“…Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: That truth is, the moment one commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events occur once the decision is made, raising in ones favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”
Similarly Goethe said, “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”
“Who Moved My Cheese” by noted author Spencer Johnson comments on the different ways we respond when there’s a need for change. It’s too simple to think that those who achieve in life are lucky, that somehow things were easier for them – they had all the breaks. In truth we make our own luck, by making the decision when to move, and then committing to its execution wholeheartedly.
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