It’s hard to live an epic life if you aren’t willing to change. You have to be willing to do things differently.
Before I kickstarted my epic life, I had a gnawing feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Let’s describe it as a malcontentment. In my spirit, I knew there was more but didn’t know what the ‘more’ was or the change that was required of me. It was stressful.
Have you ever experienced this? Do you say you want more, better, different but fall short when it comes to taking action?
For example:
You say your want to lose weight, but you continue to eat a lot and move a little or give up when you don’t get instant results.
You say you want to save money, but you gamble, impulse-buy, take trips on credit or lend your extra money to others.
You say you want a new job, but you haven’t updated your resume, resist networking or talking to decision-makers.
You say you want a committed healthy relationship, but you entangle yourself with someone who is emotionally or physically unavailable.
These contradictions are the opposite of living an epic life and undermine change.
Here's the thing. Change requires self-awareness, desire, commitment and action. The more self-aware you are, the more likely you are to commit to change and living your epic life.
Using my awareness continuum below, assess your readiness to change by determining what phase you’re in. Then use the tips I’ve shared to help you move forward.
Phase 1: Lack of Awareness
In this phase, forget about the solution, you can’t even see the problem. In your world, everything is fine. You’re unaware that your associations or behavior is problematic or produces negative consequences.
There’s a lot of blaming, complaining, fantasizing or playing the victim. Anything that requires you to step out of your comfort zone is met with resistance.
Tip for getting to next level, Phase 2
Pay attention to your choices, actions and behaviors and whether they are moving your life in a positive direction or keeping you stagnant or creating negative consequences. There is always something you can do to get to the next level. Always.
Next time you feel a complaint or blame bubbling up in your throat, pause, count to 10 and ask yourself what can YOU do to make your situation better? Begin to reclaim your power and peace.
Phase 2: Little Awareness (or Reflection)
You know there’s a problem but you’re struggling to understand and solve it. You want more, different, better, but feel stuck. You talk about taking action but there’s a failure to launch. Someday you’re going to change but the months and years continue to pass with little to no real change on your part.
Tip for getting to next level, Phase 3
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Nothing changes unless you do. Begin to think more about the possibilities of the future than ruminating on the past. Despite anxiety and ambivalence, take small action steps daily to seek the change you desire.
Phase 3: Awareness
You’re sick and tired of being sick and tired. You’re re-imagining a better life. You’re clear that your peace of mind, happiness and abundance matters. Although you're making baby steps towards the life you’re imagining, you aren’t taking 100% responsibility for your role in the problem or stagnation. You want to feel happy and fulfilled, again. That’s becoming a priority for you.
Tip for getting to next level, Phase 4
Make a commitment to stop selling yourself short or creating/welcoming drama in your life. When things get hard or uncomfortable, don’t quit. Remember why you need or want to change and what your life will be like once you get through the rough spots. Seek the help of a therapist, counselor or coach to support your desire to create and live an epic life. That’ll make the journey easier. Remember, no pain no gain.
Phase 4: Consistent Action
You’re self-aware and are taking control of your life. You’ve started to modify your behavior and surroundings. You’re acquiring new healthy behaviors and associations that’s aligned with your re-imagined life. Others are noticing a change in you. You’re committed to the process. Things that used to rattle and set you back, doesn’t faze you as much.
Phase 4 is a clear indicator that you’re well on your way to creating and living an epic life. You’re falling in love with yourself. You’re owning your worth and are making choices and taking action to have the life or career you want! Stress is slowly leaving and freedom and peace are a welcome replacement.
Why This Matters
The ultimate goal is to establish a practice of prioritizing your personal, professional and financial self-care and well-being.
Keep in mind that change never ends with action. Without a strong commitment and supportive network, there will surely be relapse. Don’t be discouraged, most people go through the phases three or four times before they make it through the cycle of change, for years. Keep pushing forward until the change you desire is a lifestyle.
Giving birth to a new life is hard and painful at times. Please don’t abort the process to your epic life. Keep pushing through.
I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and let me know what phase you're in and one small action step you will take today to get to the next level.
Need some guidance? No problem-o. Learn how I can help with your journey towards your own epic life. Click here.