Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. – George Bernard Shaw
It’s the time of year when everyone is thinking about the new year and all the changes they are going to make in their lives. At least I don’t think that I am the only one who is doing that right now. The thing about change is that it’s hard, and it’s scary as heck. I’m petrified of change and to change. 
Not that who I am is super perfect (or perfect at all) or super successful. I’m none of those things, but it’s who I am, and who I have been. It’s odd, I’m not overly happy with the way things are going in my life, but I’m not willing to change because I’m afraid. Where I am doesn’t make me happy, but there is a certain feeling of safety in staying the same. It’s a comfort zone kind of thing, and it’s hard to step out of your comfort zone.
That is why change is so hard, at least for me. But we can’t stagnate, we need to make changes and move forward. And to move forward, those changes have to start internally. We have to make a concerted effort to change our thinking, about who we are, what we do, and how we do it. Only then can change truly begin to take place. And yes, you can wait until the calendar page changes and that date says January 1, 2018, or you can start right now. Make a decision about what to change and then just do one thing differently. If you want to start exercising, make that decision, and then, start small. Take the stairs instead of the elevator for one flight, or park a little farther away from the store entrance. If eating healthier is what your change is going to be, try cutting out one soda a day for now, or adding a little less sugar to your coffee. If you want to change your attitude and outlook on life, try smiling a little more, or paying someone a heartfelt compliment. Your changes don’t have to be huge. Your changes need to start in your mind first, and then start implementing them. Start right away. Start small and build up to bigger changes. You can do it, and so can I. Let’s start now and make the coming year the best one ever.
