SHiFT HAPPENS

Do you find the thought of change daunting? Integrative life coach Joanne Moss says that you only need to dial up 1o to make a shift that will set the wheel of change in motion …

Throughout life we are faced with fresh opportunities and difficult choices to make. Sometimes these choices mean changing or letting go of what no longer serves us.

The prospect of change can be overwhelming, so I suggest you find a new way to view the concept: see it as a gentle “shift” in a new direction. In my experience, the difference is simply that change results in a transformation (for example, ending a relationship), while a shift implies a transition (for example, adjusting the way you interact with someone to try to improve the relationship).

If you hide away from any form of newness, you may find yourself being forced to confront change, which can be traumatic, as there is complete loss of control. You can change or be changed!

What stands in our way? Fear – or fight or flight, an acute stress response. So your choice is to “forget everything and run” or “face everything and rise”.

What do we fear most about change?

• Is it the fear of how letting go of a job or relationship may affect our status or image?
• What will people think?
• Is it fear of disapproval?
• Will I be rejected?
• Is it fear of the unknown?
• What if I can’t cope? – I am not equipped and I may look foolish?
• My comfort zone keeps me safe …
• Is it the fear of loss?
• What will become of me?
• What if I end up with less than what I have now or I end up on my own?
• Is it the fear of success?
• What if I can’t cope with the demands?
• What if I am isolated due to fame and fortune?
• Is it the fear of commitment?
• What if I change my mind?
• What if the responsibility is too great?

The Risks of Staying the Same

• Stagnation.
• Being left behind.
• Compromised self-worth because you didn’t explore your full potential.
• Feelings of regret for missed opportunities.
• Unfulfilled wishes or dreams.
• Time wasted on living the life others wanted or expected.
• Living to work and not working to live.
• Not spending more time with significant partners and friends.
• Not making a difference in your own life and that of others.
• Not taking better care of yourself while you had the chance.

10 Steps to Making a Positive Shift

1. Understand that you have freedom of choice about your circumstances
2. Know that the pain of change is not forever
3. Persevere
4. Understand the phases of change and that they are normal
5. Understand that what you resist persists
6. Realise that Change can happen – one step at a time
7. Get inside your head
8. Reflect on the most recent big changes you experienced
9. Find a mentor or someone you can relate to that has gone through similar experiences and flourished
10. Shift your mindset from seeing the obstacles to seeing the opportunities

Change happens when the pain of holding on is greater than the pain of letting go.

Don’t go through life repeating the same actions that drain you of energy and happiness and call it a life! Remember, your comfort zone is the prison of your potential – life begins when you escape this zone.