You have probably experienced this. Sitting in church on a different side than you normally sit on. Mike and I arrived at church on Sunday a little late and found it best to sit on the opposite side of the church from where we normally sit. I was immediately struck by how strange that felt. My mind became aware that I felt strange due to this small difference in my normal routine. I have used this example in speaking about change through the years, yet I haven’t felt it in many years, I suppose because I have not changed this sitting routine. I was reminded of the power of habits, and the importance of intentionally changing small things often enough that when large changes happen to us, changes we can’t control, we are better able to deal with them.

Another change that is all around us. The leaves are changing colors and falling, which is nature’s way of preparing us for the dormancy that soon follows. I can’t imagine going from the heat and luscious foliage of the spring and summer to winter without passing through changes of the fall. As much as I love spring and summer, I have a physical response to the beauty of the leaves changing. I feel the change in my body. The beauty of each of the four seasons is stimulating. Imagine the boring sameness if we only had one season. I know there are states in our country that actually have that sameness. But North Carolina is not one of them, thankfully.   

What about us? Are we stuck in one “season?” Or are we changing? For it is in changing that we grow. And in growing, we become someone different. Granted, all “different” is not positive, but much is.

Personal change is not easy. It is much easier to keep on keeping on, doing the same things with the same people, going to the same places. Getting outside of our comfort zone is required to make personal change. Consistent behavior change is necessary for new habits to replace the old. And the even harder part is maintaining the change. Just about when we think we have mastered the new behavior change, boredom sets in, and it is easy to revert back to old ways.

Is there a behavior change you want to make? Maybe there is a behavior change you do not just want to make, but need to make. What is your stimulus for doing so? What will you do to increase the likelihood that you will be successful in making the desired change?    

There is no better time to start than now. Just where you are. While the urge is present. Before you talk yourself out of it.