The Process of Change

The Process of Change
By Anthony McCune

Change is an issue we face every day. Can I go about this differently; is there a way I can do this better; will leaving the old behind or embracing the new improve the quality of my life?

People may recognize the need to make changes. They may understand the benefits change will bring. They may truly want to see the process happen. A basic problem is understanding how to change.

Our behavior is largely based on habits. We don’t think; we do. Understanding that is the first step leading to change.

Change begins with the way you think about something.

A concerted effort is required. Practice, learn to think differently about the behavior you wish to change. Don’t expect to fully achieve the change instantly or even over a short-time. It is a process built upon the foundation of acceptance.

It is necessary to maintain a level of awareness regarding what you have done, the way you have done it and the result you are seeking to accomplish. Some days you’ll be more successful than others. The key is recognition.

If your actions do not reflect the change in behavior you want to accomplish, you need to recognize it. Accept that will happen at times and then continue the process. Habits are developed over time; change requires time as well. As long as you know when you’re falling back into the old habit it will be easier to change.

Given time, and practice, you will begin to think differently about that behavior. The change of thinking will bring a change in your action. The action will achieve a result that you desire. Success will reinforce that behavior. The behavior you wanted when you identified the need for change.

Changing the way you think, acting in a different way will change the way you feel about that particular behavior. That positive outcome will reinforce the importance of carrying forth the new attitude, the new belief you have developed in terms of that behavior.

Change the way you think; to change the way you act; to change the way you feel. That, in a nutshell, is the process of change.

Navigating The Journey Of Life

Navigating The Journey Of Life
By Anthony McCune

Would we live our lives differently if we knew how much time we actually would have on the planet?

The four “biggest” words in the English language are said to be would’ve, could’ve, should’ve and if.

Theory is one thing. In the real world, though, life is not lived in a logical, preplanned sequence where events come in a straight forward, rational fashion. We travel the highways, byways and back roads of life. There are long, broad valleys and grand, towering peaks which we must traverse Our opinions are influenced by experience; our memories colored by perception.

Everyone, philosophically, should be given a fair chance to prove themselves good or bad; worthy of our time or a waste of precious minutes; considerate of others or self centered. There is no thoughtful, reasonable evaluation of “who” or “what” a person is, though. In the first five to ten seconds of meeting an individual a seed is planted in our mind and we judge that person. That initial assessment can be powerful; whether it is accurate or totally off base.

Time is fickle. There are days and weeks that seem like they will never end. Yet years pass by in what appears to be the snap of your fingers.

How often do we take time for self reflection? What consideration is there, not only of our relationships with family, friends and co-workers, but the difference we can make in our community and the impact we can have on the world at large?

Thankfully, we have the power of choice. We are able to learn new things; to benefit from our mistakes. We are able to reconsider our positions. We can adjust our course. Outcomes are not predestined.

Seeds planted may mature to be harvested…or the fruit may die on the vine. The result is impacted by the situation in which an organism exists; if conditions to facilitate a positive outcome are present; whether nurturing is provided that will be beneficial and if the strength of the effort put forth to succeed is sufficient.

My advice is to be thankful for each day; to make the most of the opportunities life brings your way; to endure the difficulties and enjoy the pleasures; to be thankful for the life with which you have been blessed; and finally to understand that each of us travels an individual journey and each of us are at the same time connected.