Is It Time For A Change?

MYTH#5: PEOPLE NEVER CHANGE

"We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves." - Lynn Hall

This myth is a perfect example of the challenge with myths; the fact that a myth often contains within it both a truth and an untruth. I often think of it this way - you do not really change; you just grow into more or less of yourself; closer to or further away from the core values and traits that shape your unique personality. Life in and of itself is a process of never-ending change and movement, cycles and adaptation, but at your very core and at the essential level, there is little change. What makes you, you, remains. Whether you grow and learn, change behaviors and perceptions and how you express your strengths and skills out into the world, is up to you. Most often when you are unhappy or frustrated it is because you are not able to show or reveal who you are, whether it is in relationships, in your career or creatively; you may feel blocked or stagnant. You will say, “I need to change, I want to be different, I want my life to be different.” Who is saying that? That is the part of you that wants you to grow by refuting unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. The authentic you whose aim it is to feel and do differently in order to alter your experience. Your ultimate desire is to attain congruency between your true nature and the results you are getting.

CHANGE YOUR MIND

Think of a person as a computer; sometimes the operating system (the essence, spirit, soul,consciousness) is running a program infected with viruses (faulty thinking, poor habits, limiting beliefs, ineffective communication). These viruses often infect during childhood and stay with you. They are encouraged through repetitive use and ignorance to the joyful, wise, divine you. Removing the virus, allows the operating system, the very essence of who you are, to function more efficiently. This changes not who you are, but how you contribute and how you show-up in the world. You are not changing the operating system; you are removing the viruses that impede accurate output. In addition to removing the viruses, you can also add in more helpful programs by using affirmations, meditation, spiritual practices, self-reflection and yes, coaching, to help design thought processes, beliefs and actions that support your true nature.

A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

The essential ingredient is the desire and willingness to grow by taking responsibility and recognizing your true nature. Behaviors can change by challenging the faulty thinking and beliefs and by clearing the debris of inert emotions that block joy and fulfillment in your life. Quite often you do not experience change in yourself or the people around you because the thoughts, beliefs and therefore actions, have remained the same or gotten worse. The "faulty programs" are ingrained and automatic. If you want to change your life, do not change who you are, but instead stop being who you are not.

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”

- William Somerset Maugham

CHALLENGE THIS MYTH

Growth is not always easy. It demands resilience and courage to take full responsibility, but believing this myth will only leave you feeling helpless and incapable, ultimately a victim. As a life coach, what I desire for my clients is awareness, ultimately leading to growth. What change really means is: Are you growing, developing, learning and adapting and are you doing it in a way that honors the best of you? Are you able to recognize where your behaviors are out of line with your core self, your spirit and the essential you? Are you willing to learn from your life? As Wayne Dyer says, "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

I would love to help you in eliminating the viruses which may be impeding smooth operation! Please contact me at, onpurposelifecoaching@hotmail.com