Do you ever feel like you take one step forward and then ten steps back?Like you are constantly fighting the same battles in your finances, relationships and career no matter how much effort you commit to changing for the better? I think the cause of the repeat circumstances is because there was never a real change within. I think that out of frustration we can say ‘ugh, i want a better job so I can xyz’ or ‘ I wish I could be a better partner to my loved one.’ But we rarely address the root of why we want better. Maybe the reason things are rocky in certain areas of your life is because you haven’t taken the time to understand your responsibility in the problem. I want to see myself reach new heights and be the best I can be but I will continue to fall short if I don’t take responsibility and change the bad habits that have not been in my best interest. So how do you know what you need to change?

Figure Out Why You Want to Change

The reasoning behind why we want the new, shiny car or higher paying job is more important than the end result. Do you want a new car because you are embarrassed of the one you currently have? Do you want a new job because you can’t afford the thing you see people on Instagram doing? If you want a change because of insecurity or comparison you will always want more. Genuinely look at your life and ask yourself ‘what are my motivations behind wanting xxx?’ It’s OK to want to change for the better but when we want it for impure reasons we will always come up short.

Look at Past Short-Comings

We’ve all tried and failed, and tried and failed. It’s frustrating and makes you wonder if you are cut out for the task. Growth only comes when there is discomfort. God does not call us to live easy, simple lives, He calls us to live Bold, Courageous, Radical lives. Trial and error are pivotal to our growth and sustainability. So look at all of you past ‘fails’ and start back over again with the understanding that things will get hard but you will only get better when you push through to the finish line. A lot of times when we start and stop something it is due to our lack of discipline. Please listen to the sermon ‘laziness vs Discipline’ on Youtube (https://youtu.be/oG1Uc4qn7ts ) it really breaks down the biblical aspect of quitting and why it is so detrimental to living out of purpose. But with the same token short-comings are also part of becoming great.

Commit to the Journey

As cliche as it sounds, change isn’t easy but its worth it. Once you know why you want to change and how you can overcome the inevitable setbacks that come with growth, commit to the journey. Learn what makes you want to give up so you can repel any emotions or situations that might get in your way. We always hear ‘ love your process’ or ‘enjoy the journey’ which is so important but when the going gets tough commitment and discipline are what will keep you going.

I am going to leave you all with this quote by Rick Warren.

“There is no growth without change, no change without fear or loss and no loss without pain.”

— Rick Warren

Thanks so much for reading 🙂