it’s time for a change

Once upon a time, there was a man named Larry who was extremely set in his ways. He had lived the same routine for as long as he could remember and was convinced that change was the enemy.

One day, Larry's boss approached him with the news that the company was switching to a new computer system. Larry was horrified - he had been using the same computer for 15 years and knew all its quirks and shortcuts. He was sure that this new system would be a disaster and was determined to resist it.

So, when the new computers arrived, Larry stubbornly stuck to his old model. He refused to attend the training sessions and sneered at his colleagues who were trying to get the hang of the new system.

However, as time passed, Larry started to realize that everyone else was getting work done faster and more efficiently. He became increasingly frustrated with his clunky, outdated computer but was too stubborn to admit defeat and switch to the new system.

One day, Larry's old computer finally gave up the ghost, leaving him with no choice but to use the new system. To his surprise, it was actually much easier to use than he had anticipated. He quickly became proficient and was soon showing his colleagues all the new tricks he had learned.

 He even started to enjoy trying out new things and experimenting with different routines. And every now and then, he would laugh to himself and think about the time when he was so resistant to change.

Larry's story is replayed in all our lives daily. There is nearly always something that can stand to be modified, updated, or even eliminated, but we're often resistant.

I've worked out a good portion of my life. I enjoy weight lifting – I pick things up, and I put things down. I cannot run anymore, but I like a good walk, so I often park way out in the parking lot, which provides me the means to add substantial steps to my day. I've learned that the older one becomes, the more critical it is to eat right and stay fit.

When exercising regularly, we usually settle into a routine which is a healthy approach towards fitness. However, it is helpful to change up your workouts occasionally because your body can adapt to regular movement, and an exercise you've been doing for a long time no longer has the same effect on your body. As such, I purchased a rowing machine and added this excellent exercise to my routine. Rowing works a large number of muscle groups and body parts, especially your core, which is helpful for us old folks.

I was excited to plop down on the sleek new device in front of a good basketball game. I figured I could row for most of the game. Wrong! My mind was way ahead of my body, and after six minutes, I was in pain. This was going to be a short basketball game for me. Not only do our minds resist change, but our bodies do as well. March Madness will have long passed before my body catches up to the goals my mind has set. But that's okay. It's a process; it is always a process.  

I often don't like change. Funny, I think change is great until it affects me! At that point, my "progressive" genes hide somewhere in the recesses of my mind. Then, I dig in my heels, wanting to keep things as I know them until, like Larry, I come around and know that change is better and it's time to catch up.

Well, here's to catching up! Catching up – that is the beauty of life. It doesn't matter how long you have resisted change or what water has gone over the dam; you can continuously improve. Each day really is a new day. Each hour . . . each minute is waiting to see what you will do with it. It's unique, and it's fresh, and you can make of it whatever you want.

How do you affect change in your life? Here's some thoughts.

Recognize the need. Evaluate yourself regularly. It is said that the unexamined life is not worth living. I frequently hear from people who are in a mess because they are not self-aware. They were simply living business as usual until some trauma caused them to awaken, and they wish they had seen themselves more accurately long ago. Suddenly, they find themselves in desperate need of behavior modifications. When you must change under pressure, it is less enjoyable.

Change how you think of change. It's not a change; it's an improvement! We don't like change, but we all want to improve.

Make some plans. Your strategy doesn't need to be complicated or extensive, but a road map assists the life alterations you want to employ. For instance, I find that when I place my barbells on my kitchen counter, I am much more likely to use them. Walking the miles and miles downstairs to my lower level somehow seems insurmountable. Create a game plan that removes as many obstacles as possible.

Celebrate baby steps. One step in the right direction is one step further than you were when you started. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by feeling the need to have every detail of change worked out. Next steps will become clear as you move forward.

Expect setbacks. Nearly every endeavor will be three steps forward and two steps back; sometimes, it will be three steps forward and four steps back. No matter. Just keep at it.

Get help. No outstanding accomplishments or changes come in a relational vacuum. You (we all) need the help of others. Don't be so foolish as to think you can make lasting improvements without help.

Run a victory lap. Celebrate small victories. They add up to significant advancement.

Jesus came to the earth because He knew that we have the God-given ability to change and grow throughout our lives. He believed in us enough to give up heaven for a while to show us how to live rich, full lives, which always involve modifications and upgrades. So, if God believes you can change, so should you. So, get with it!

Live Inspired!

Don Mark