WELCOME
VOLUME 4 n ISSUE 3 n BECOMING THE BEST YOU
SITUATIONS CHANGE WHEN YOU CHANGE
I remember when I was a child, I dreamed of a life as an
adult. What would I do, where would I travel or how would
I make an impact on the world? Now as an adult, from time
to time I wish for my youth again, because it was void of the
worries and responsibilities of adulthood. Those fleeting
thoughts don’t mean that I’m not appreciative of where I
am, but it does suggest that I embrace the change in my
action packed life.
Success is impossible without growth and growth is only
evident when I seek to improve myself, personally and
professionally. I must admit though, sometimes growth
hurts. Growth is all about evolving and shifting out of your
comfort zone. Too often though, we fight the process and
ultimately become a victim of our own circumstances. So
how do you change that? Here are three places to start:
1. Stop being a victim.
2. Take responsibility for where you are in life.
3. Stop blaming others.
If you want to be successful, you must be in a positive
headspace to adapt to change and conduct yourself as an
adult, not an adolescent. For example, if your reaction to
not getting your way is to gossip or throw temper tantrums,
ultimately inflicting pain on others, maybe it’s time to self-
reflect and ask if your reaction is appropriate or juvenile.
Honesty with oneself is imperative for self-reflection. When
you look in the mirror are you pleased with what you see?
And I’m not talking about the make-up and the hair or even
your blemish fee skin. The person I want you to assess is
the person beyond the surface…the person who lives in
your heart. Are you genuinely pleased with that person?
Are you embarrassed about the way you have behaved in
a situation? Are you spiteful and vindictive to others who
are receiving what you believe should have been yours?
Whether its recognition, a new car, job or client, are you
generally happy for others success or are you so miserable
within yourself you attempt to sabotage others? Depending
on your answers you may need to own that changes are
needed within your life.
After confirming you need to change, you must let go of
the fear of change. Generally, people are afraid of change
because they automatically assume that anything different
from the routine will be harder than what they’re used to.
What you must realize is change doesn’t threaten people
who are secure and stable within. What do you need to do
to ensure that you are the confident person who can accept
and thrive in the midst of your evolution?
Change also makes it possible to fall victim to the struggles
of everyday life. You can become so embroiled in trying to
just keep your head above water that you find it difficult
to maintain focus on the change you know you need to
make. Don’t let that pitfall dissuade you. We’ve already
established that change is difficult. We’ve also established
that it is essential. My philosophy is your struggle to change
for the better is your pathway to success and you must
always be prepared to fight the battle of thinking small. I
was taught, if you surrender your mindset to the small you
will never grow tall.
Focus on how to make things better in your life. Make
an intentional effort to understand what is and what isn’t
important. And real change requires consistent focus on
and consistent action toward what you want that change
to be. Finally, don’t be afraid to look at what’s missing, you
can achieve anything you put your mind to. Believe you can
and you will.
I’m not a huge football fan, but few people have missed
newly minted NFL draft pick Shaquem Griffin. Despite
having only one hand and being confronted with naysayers
for most of his life, he fulfilled his dream to play in the NFL.
Everyone, with the exception of a select few, felt his efforts
were futile. Can you imagine the negative thoughts he
had to overcome each
time someone rejected
him? He was able to use
the negativity to fuel his
motivation to change for
the better and grow into
his dreams.
In closing, when you
embrace change, you
can welcome your grand-
est adventure, kicking
fear, envy and insecurity
in the face. Welcome to
Volume 4 Issue 3, the
endless journey to be-
coming the best you…
The time is now for
change. Take the step.
—Jennifer Yon
VOL 4, Issue 3
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