Embracing Personal Change as a path to growth

Change is a crucial part of both our work and private lives. We’re always learning and growing to keep up with new technologies, shifting markets, and different job responsibilities. But when it comes to changing ourselves personally, we often hesitate. Why is this?

Looking back on our own lives, it’s clear that change is not only possible but inevitable. Consider how different you are today from a few years ago. You’ve probably changed some of your habits and picked up new ones. These changes might be small — like eating breakfast regularly or starting a new hobby — but they all prove that we can change.

Why then do we struggle to believe we can change? The challenge is often in forming new habits. It can be hard, especially if the habits we want to adopt clash with our current lifestyle or if we try to change our lives drastically all at once. However, lasting changes often don’t come from one big transformation but many small, consistent changes. Many research studies, including the ideas in the book “Atomic Habits”, support this. Real change often results from small, consistent steps, not major overhauls.

Our culture loves big, dramatic stories of change, like the ones we see in movies or hear about people doing incredible things. But these stories are the exception, not the rule. More often, people make significant progress through taking small, sustainable steps.

This way of thinking suggests that it’s best to compare yourself to who you were yesterday. This approach encourages constant self-improvement without setting unrealistic goals.

• Change is a constant in life. Nothing and no one stays the same forever. This principle applies to individuals, companies, and society as a whole. Our ability to adapt and grow is instrumental in our successes and failures.
• Personal growth is often an effect of change. Whether it comes from learning new skills, overcoming challenges, or reevaluating our attitudes and behaviors, we all have the potential to better ourselves and enrich our lives in various ways.
• Self-comparison can be both positive and negative. It’s beneficial to look at the progress we’ve made, where we’ve been, and where we are now. But, constantly comparing ourselves to others or to unrealistic ideals can lead to negative self-perception and hinder our personal growth.
• Setting realistic goals is essential for self-improvement. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration. However, setting achievable goals that foster incremental progress often leads to greater satisfaction and overall success.
• Awareness is key in personal development. Understanding our strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging our mistakes, and seeking constant improvement are more feasible when we are attuned to our individual needs and capabilities.

Some final thoughts

Change happens all the time, in both our personal and work lives. We all know that we can change – we’ve each experienced it in one way or another. Still, making big personal changes can feel overwhelming, mostly because changing deep-seated habits or making life-changing decisions can be scary. That being said, genuine change often comes from small, regular actions, rather than a sudden, massive shift.

Change is a natural part of the growth process. Learning new things, facing challenges, and changing our beliefs all play a part in our development as individuals. Looking at the progress we’ve made can be really satisfying. But comparing ourselves to others all the time? Not so much. If you set achievable goals and really understand your own strengths and weaknesses, change can be a rewarding experience.

In summary, change is always a part of life. By changing a little bit at a time and focusing on our own journey, we all have the power to grow and do well in our own unique way.  

Start with one small change today. Whether it’s a new habit, a shift in thinking, or a small step towards a bigger goal, take that first step. Embrace the journey of self-improvement, and remember, every big change starts with a single, small action. What will yours be?