Change it Up

Today I look at “change” as another necessary ingredient in the search for what brings success. Of course, change can only occur when one is open to it. 

Perhaps you are like me and occasionally need mental reorientation, a kick in the rear, or just something new to grasp. If so, here is my intention: you may want similar moves. First, the definition of success - giving all you have to become who you want to be. In other words, reaching your potential, but that end takes going further than ever before.

Life-altering Change is Possible

OK, I will admit that I had to look up the meaning of metamorphic, even though I had a rough idea beforehand. According to the dictionary, it’s “denoting or relating to rock that has undergone transformation by heat, pressure, or other natural agencies.” That is accurate, as I know my “Rockhead” must change from self-made tension and stagnancy. Change is the chance to choose to channel and re-charge your choices. What? You determine your mood.

Specifically, I am moody in the morning more often than I would like. It’s weird because I’m “jacked” for the day when I initially wake up, and that outlook lessens. I’ve decided enough of that, and I must reverse the trend. So, I have come up with a plan. Like sports performance, it requires both physical and mental transformation for lasting change, and the good news is that one helps the other.

I often blame aging for mood decline, but that isn’t fair. Although, on the list of the best countries in the world for older people to live in, the United States comes in at 28. Quite disappointing to read that, but such is the future many of us face; oh well. Here’s the thing - age can be a benefit or a detriment; it’s how you look at it. I’ve been in the “bummer” camp for the most part, but I realize it may be close to the time to embrace the upside. But then again, never mind, I will continue to resist but work to reorient my thought processes.

Metamorphic Moves

I plan to incorporate the following modifications to help my daily mindset with the hope of that metamorphic change.

Plan 1. – Nighttime ritual. I plan to read these transformational proclamations before bed each night because I know how easy it is to drop one’s plans, especially when thinking of my upcoming New Year’s resolutions. Maybe it’s that age thing again, but regardless, unless it’s written and often reviewed, there’s a good chance it will not turn out to be the change I’m looking for.

Plan 2 – Letting go. From today on, I will not dwell on the past by saying, “I wish I would have done something else.” I believe that may be the source of my foul mood, thinking about the negatives and not the good I may have done. It’s time to think of the past as just that and a source of learning, not regrets. After all, occasional failure is unavoidable and must be considered a life lesson. Looking ahead after learning from the past is the best way to make a difference.

Plan 3 – First Take. Upon first looking in the mirror, it’s no longer, “Dang, when did I get so old?” or “I look pretty rugged.” From now on, it will be, “There is wisdom in that face” and “like a tree, the lines distinguish me.” I also am aware that smiling makes the lines natural, so it is something to do more of.

Plan 4 – Getting pumped. I will see each day as an opportunity to unite people and diminish no one. Few attributes are better than being a unifier, and little is worse than being a de-motivator. It’s not enough to recognize something is wrong without adding, “what can I do to improve it?” Winners know there is a way and work until they find it.

Plan 5. Positive thoughts. Success is “being me” today, which is good enough as long as it’s not at the expense of dragging someone down. 

Plan 6. Battling the enemy. Whenever I begin to have negative thoughts, I will combat them with self-made pep talks. As an athlete, I know my pre-game attitude is a game-changer.  

Mental Makeover Pep Talks

It’s critical to know that having an “I will” mindset is better than an “I want” one. Being proactive and creating opportunities is another secret to achievement. At the same time, those who sit back and wait for things to come to them will get tired of sitting.

Monday - I will do things I’m good at and be with people I enjoy, but I will continually look for more activities and individuals that fit into those categories.  

Tuesday - I will be physically active, knowing it stimulates and relaxes me. What result could be better than that?

Wednesday - I will set aside a decent amount of time each day to benefit others, especially those I’m closest to.

Thursday - I will treat every day like Thanksgiving and give thanks for the people and graces in my life.

Friday - I will take pride if I give what I have that day because I know I am defined not by results but by effort.

Saturday - I will take the baby steps necessary to get further than before and create a purpose I know is out there, knowing that no shortcuts exist to betterment.

Sunday – I will take on the quest for better by creating challenges and dynamic reasons to push beyond the ordinary.

Finally, it’s never easy to change, but like many quests to overcome, it requires a step-by-step process of doing the little things each day. Happy trails, holidays, and New Year!