You’ve heard the adage; you have to walk before you can run! It means that you have to master the basic skills before trying something more complex. We don’t enter this world running. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) states children begin taking their first steps between 9 and 12 months and can walk independently at 15 months of age; around age 2, they are off and running. But first steps don’t happen by accident, before we take those first steps:
- we learn to sit (with and then without support),
- we learn to flip over,
- we crawl, scoot and slither,
- stand, totter and
- start walking.
Today, we want to skip walking and begin running. We are bombarded daily with news of the latest trend in the stock market, tariffs change from moment-to-moment, climate and natural disasters have been common occurrences, and the reporting of war and civil unrest are at all-time highs. Charles Dickens, in his book, A Tale of Two Cities, described it best:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
It’s an understatement to say times are uncertain but as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “the only constant is change.” Like those first steps, we forget that change takes time, and a reason to change (motivation). The need for change is usually accompanied by some level of discomfort or pain. It may be our jobs, health, or a relationship, but when we reach the point that our discomfort surpasses our desire to stay put (status quo); change is needed. We are often, but shouldn’t be, surprised when things don’t go as planned. Romans 7:15-20 (TLB) explains this predicament:
“I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can’t help myself because I’m no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things.”
We don’t always understand why we do the things we do but if you’ve finally reached the point that you believe change is needed, Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step to acting and that’s the hardest part. There are many reasons that drive change but, in the end, it is a personal decision. In discussing, the Nature of Change, Dr. Abigail Brenner states:
“The personal significance of each change occurs when we decide to make change. This means we move from the passive state of just watching how things unfold to taking some action that enables us to utilize the change to create an outcome of our own choice. Shifting our focus from what happens (the events themselves) to what we do with what happens is another way to describe transition. Ultimately, the way we make change is our personal choice and responsibility.”
Now with the decision to change made, you’re looking for ways to facilitate that decision. The type of change you need to make depends on the reasons or situations that require your change. Financial change requires the expertise of a financial planner or accountant. Relationships may require counseling. Health changes may require the assistance of a nutritionist, physical therapist, trainer or physician. However, spiritual change, a more permanent journey, requires Jesus. Here are a few thoughts, strategies, quotes and Bible quotes to help on the journey:
- Pray continuously. (Colossians 4:2)
“Sometimes, God may prioritize performing a miracle on our hearts and minds over a miracle concerning our circumstances.”
Beth Moore (author, When Godly People Do Bad Things)
- Be mindful of your thoughts and words (Proverbs 18:21).
“Prepare your mind and heart before you prepare your speech. What we say may be less important than how we say it.
Stephen Covey (author, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
- Choose your friends wisely (Proverbs 12:26)
“Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.”
W Clement Stone (founder Success Unlimited magazine)
- Flee temptation (Matthew 26:41; James 1:14)
We don’t always recognize that bodily threats don’t compare to the spiritual dangers that threaten the soul. Make sure to keep an escape route readily available.
- Immerse yourself in scripture (Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 4:15)
You’ve already identified a reason to change, use that reason to motivate and fuel your change. As Proverbs 19:2 reminds us: “Being excited about something is not enough. You must also know what you are doing. Don’t rush into something, or you might do it wrong.”
Exercise discernment and wisdom (Psalms 119-130; Proverbs 3:21-22)
Challenge: I hope and pray that these initial thoughts and strategies are helpful in your pursuit of change. Please expand the list and consider sharing with others. Change can be a long journey, but you don’t have to make it alone.
Gilbert Camacho serves as President, Organizational Leadership Solutions, a management consulting firm, based in Melbourne, Florida. Gilbert is a certified Lead Like Jesus Facilitator with extensive leadership experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors. He has been a contributing author to the Lead Like Jesus Blog for almost 3 years writing monthly on such issues as servant leadership, accountability, trust and integrity. Gilbert s a sought-after Speaker, Trainer, and Executive Coach. Gilbert is a Registered Shared Neutral (Mediator) with the State Supreme Court of Georgia. He recently retired an Associate Director for the Human Resources Office at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. Gilbert has been married to his best friend, Annie, for almost 40 years. Together they have raised two beautiful daughters, Holley and Logan.
