The Challenges and Rewards of Positive Change

''Seasons change and so do I...''

by Michael Corthell 

''If a life event doesn't challenge you, it didn't change you.''

We all go through life's changes — good and bad with mixed feelings. The quickest and best way to change your life is to change yourself. Trying to force others to change to suit yourself is not only wrong it is futile. Changing yourself isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t have a plan.

But, change is absolutely necessary for our growth and development. Without change, we are guaranteed to stay the way we are, and doomed to repeat many of our past mistakes.

So, first of all it is much better to be proactive about changing your life, rather than being forced in to it by someone or something outside your control.

“Some people change their ways when they see
the light; others when they feel the heat.” — Caroline Schoeder

Looking at it simply, change doesn't seem like it should be all that difficult. If there is something that you don't like about yourself, just change it, right? How then do we affect positive change?

The number one obstacle to positive changes is fear. Fear brought about moving out of our comfort zones. It boils down to the risk & reward equation.

''He who is not courageous enough to take risks will
accomplish nothing in life.'' — Muhammad Ali

How about an unexpected change you ask? We need to prepare ahead of time. And the discipline to do that is the real challenge. It is a lot like the necessity of home, auto, and life insurance. The insurance of preparation for a changing and challenging life is the assurance that we will come out alright on the other side of any challenge to our comfy status quo.

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Six keys to leading positive change

From the power of presence to the power of voice, leadership expert and Harvard Business School professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter discusses the process of making a difference in the world. Kanter uses the stories of great leaders and ordinary people to reveal the six success factors that are the keys to positive change, including lining up partnerships, managing the miserable middles of change, and sharing success with others. This uplifting talk from TEDxBeaconStreet will inspire you to lead and take action.