The Power to Change

by Debbie Martinez

When people are empowered to see obstacles or setbacks as opportunities to move forward and grow, there is always change involved. The very word "change" can make some people uncomfortable. Change is work. Changes take people from the routine to the unknown and unfamiliar. Making changes requires courage, a sesnse of humor, and the ability to clearly envision the desired results of the change. Being discontented with the status quo does not imply unhappiness. A person can be dissatisfied with her work situation, relationships, income, or lack of certain skills and still be a basically happy person. Personal joy can exist in even negative circumstances. But, perhaps, there is amissing element that needs changing.

Some people have found that turning to a "life coach," a professional motivator/mentor, is a practical way to make changes and adjust to life's circumstances. One of the first things a life coach will do is ask a client to write a detailed list of what they want or need for thier life to fell more fulfilled and keep the lsit in a place where it will be seen each day.

The life coach helps the client find the inner strenght to change course, to pursue desired goals, and to face obstacles with conviction and courage. Like a sports coach, life coaches encourage clients to stretch beyond the comfort zone, push forward, and readh for the prize.

Some people must reprogram their thinking. Moving to a higher place, achieving a higher goal or purpose always brings risks and taking risks inevitably involves making mistakes. The life coach can help the client see mistakes as part of the process, knowing what not to do sometimes being as important as knowing what to do. Having a sense of humor about mistakes, as well as successes, can make the process fun.

Sometimes there are bumps in the road. A life coach helps clients keep going and not shrug and say, "Oh, well." If someone desiring change encounters obstacles and starts to rresis trying any more, it is challenging to get around the resistance and re-focus on what needs to be done. Soemone once said, "thre is the life you had planned and then there is what comes next." When the "what comes next" pops up instead of the planned next step, it helps if the person accept where they are at this point, learn what this stage teaches, then take a deep breath and move on towards the dream, or dream a new dream, if that makes more sense.

The most important element to a successful change is a person's belief in himself, that what is needed or desired is around the corner and that he is ready. It is the thinkin and believing all along the way that will create a successful outcome —the envisioning, the preparation, the courage and conviction. Thrung the corner is just another step forward.

Published in Natural Awakenings Magazine, June 2009

 

Information published by Debbie Martinez- www.thePowerofDivorceCoach.com. Giving clients the tools and guidance during transition times to pursue happier, more fulfilling lives. To learn more about how I can help you too, call me at (305) 984-5121.