We’ve all had it … that moment of clarity where we realized that we must make a change in some aspect of our life if it is ever going to get better.
We think about the situation or pattern of behavior in which we are trapped and decide that it is time. I have to make a change now.
The unfortunate reality with such potentially The life-changing epiphany is that as fast as it slaps you, it fades as you return to your familiar routine and continue to live the same way you always have.
This scenario has likely played out in all of our lives at some point.
For some, the inspiration for the change was to stop eating or drinking excessively. For others, it’s getting out of an abusive relationship or a dead-end job. And for still others, it’s starting to exercise or, something I hear a lot as a chiropractor, finally getting some care for chronic pain or headaches you’ve been living with for years.
Making the change
So the million dollar question is why is it really so difficult to make the big change (and one that saves lives for many) so difficult?
Well, it all comes down to whether or not you choose to hear that inspiring voice in your head. You know, the one that says “do it … let’s get going right now!” or “don’t do it … let’s end this madness today!”
If you ignore that voice of change, stop before you start. Sure, it will come back, but how many times does it have to hijack the brain waves before listening?
Maybe it’s time to pay attention ?!
And let’s say yes. Let’s say you have that moment and you respond by saying to yourself ‘today is my day to start this change’.
Now what?
When you heed the innate advice of ‘the voice of change’, there is still another step you need to take almost immediately afterwards.
To take action!
That’s right, without delay or hesitation you should take action to achieve what that voice is inspiring you to do.
If you don’t, then in effect you have once again ‘ignored’ the inspiration and will quickly sink into the same mental and physical rut.
Where does it go wrong
It all sounds pretty simple, right?
In theory it is, but in reality it usually is not.
The reason is because of the memories. That’s right memories are the bane of successful change.
Whether it’s the conscious understanding that you failed earlier when you tried this change or a deep-seated memory from childhood that you can’t even identify as the derailment factor, your past most likely affects your present which causes you to take action based on inspiration is so difficult.
Let me say it again: it is your past that is affecting your present ability to act.
The good news is that you can overcome the obstacles by following the 2 recommendations listed above.
- Listen to the voice of inspiration and ignore the memory of the past that will try to get you out of your head.
- Take immediate action. It doesn’t matter how small the step is to make the change, but you need to do it now.
Whether you need to put down a soda or cigarette, turn off the television and walk around the block, take care of your headaches, or pick up the phone and do that call … take the plunge when inspiration strikes.
By taking a small step of action at the prompting of that little voice, there may be big changes just around the corner.