The Root Word for “motivation” is “move,” and movement is change. Ask yourself right now…Am I moving forward or am I standing still? Do I have a career that I love? Am I pleased with the relationship I have with my spouse, my kids? Do I have a healthy lifestyle? Is my energy level, my attitude, where it should be? Is my relationship with God where it should be? Is there a hobby, an activity I want to pursue?
Truthful answers to these and other questions will tell you whether you want, or need to change.
Although answering such questions truthfully is critical to begin the change process, we all know the tough part comes later. According to John Murphy in his book Think Change, the key to successful change is discipline and “reprogramming beliefs.” A cautionary inner voice will tell you not to rock the boat, to stay on the path of least resistance, but your heart is telling you otherwise.
Listen to your heart. Filter out the old static and tune in something new. Challenge your assumptions, identify and study people already doing what you want to do. Read books and listen to tapes that will you motivate you to break away from the notorious “comfort zone.” Confront your fears. When one unsatisfying day just blurs into the next – your life is begging for a change.
Comfort zones put padlocks on the doors to growth, discovery, and adventure in your life, but three keys that will unlock those doors are discipline, hard work, and faith. When it comes to progress, when it comes to change…Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard. Unlock one door at a time, enjoy small successes, and soon you will have achieved your goals.
Some key points to remember:
- No pain! No gain! There will be some setbacks.
- Fear is a human emotion. The absence of fear is not courage, it’s brain damage.
- Give your fear a name and it becomes a problem. It’s easier to solve problems than conquer fear.
- With each obstacle you overcome, your confidence will grow. Every time you conquer any fear…no matter how small…you are better prepared for the next challenge.
Change can truly be a wonderful gift. It can recharge your emotional battery and nourish your soul. Just do it! Choose change and let it make a positive difference in your life.
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Dear Mac
Seeing your blog today reinforced what I have been going through. There are no coincidences. I am learning to embrace the change in my life. Fear dominated my life so much that I was paralyzed with fear and wouldn’t venture out of my safety and comfort zone. Listening to those voices in my head about fears of the past and of the future, I became more and more depressed. My atrial fibrillation kicked in and my fear became worse. By filtering out those voices of the past and future, I have been able to be present and realize that is all we have- the Now!! Surrendering to the Now freed my Being from suffering and depression. I am learning to open my heart to love and light. Thanks for the encouragement!
Linda Anderson
P.S My husband is a good Swede too!
You are great! I am a big fan, and I tell others about you and what you do. I did not know you had a blog until today, so thank you for the extra site, and I will be visiting it often. You are touched by the hand of God, and I have learned so much from you throughout the years. Thank you and peace be with you and your loved ones. By the way, I attend the Nazarene Bible College online courses. I have sent your web site to every class I have attended. I am just 3 classes away from attaining my B.A. in Leadership and Ethics, so that tells you how many people have seen your site.
Peace be with you and your loved ones,
Joanne
Dear Mac,
Thanks so much for your wonderful website and products!There is no greater joy in life than knowing you have been able to help and encourage others. To be able to leave this world a little bit better than we found it.
If you think about it, we have all benefitted from those who have gone before us.In spite of the present crisis in the world the cup is still half-full, rather than half-empty. We can meditate and pray for creative ideas, and the courage to take action, to begin something new.
The world has often come out of trying times with renewal. Most of all the tials of life allow us to grow our character, and show consideration for our fellowman. Truly it is more blessed to give than to receive. Reflecting on my own life, I have always received back MORE than I gave. This seems to be a law of the universe.
An attitude of gratitude, a sense of humor helps as well.Often, we don’t need to learn something brand new, but rather need to be REMINDED of things we have already heard before, but forgotten. Such as the grace of God flowing like a river. Grace exists before it becomes a factor in our life. A river of healing from the heart of God. When we know we are loved…then we can also forgive others…and ourselves.
WOW ! I feel better already. Let’s all go out and have a GOOD and Godly Day. Pass it on folks! Herman