CHANGE - why is it so hard...

Have you ever wondered why changing something in your life is so hard - even things you know that are "bad" for you [like smoking or eating pizza]? It's hard because of two things that are central to human beings...

1. It's Awkward -- and that creates an opportunity to look really stupid. Trying new things in our lives or changing the things we do - starts off being awkward. Here's a trivial, but important example...Clasp your hands together, interlocking your fingers. Notice which thumb is on top [and which pinky is on the bottom] - now unclasp your fingers - and re-clasp with the opposite thumb on top and pinky on the bottom. How does it feel? I bet awkward. Now - it such a trivial thing feels awkward - how about something bigger like learning to water ski or public speaking?



2. Acceptance of your core group of supporters -- changing something in your life may change the people who you see everyday [if you change jobs or relocate to another city]; it may change who your friends are [if you stop drinking, that may require not seeing some of your friends]; or any social activity. The change you make, may affect more than just the change - it may change your life across the board. Little changes are hard enough, but big ones that change a lot of things -- that's a different type of courage to undertake.

Look - change is going to be hard - but it may be the best thing ever. I may just be something that you look back at and say "Why did I do that?". But if there is anything that we need to embrace and be willing to endure it is change - because it usually happens if we want it to or not.