Here's the Secret to Changing Your Life

Introduction

You've probably heard the expression about how you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. It refers to the idea that we should avoid making assumptions about people or things based on their outward appearance. In other words, just because something looks bad doesn't mean it's bad—and just because someone seems nice doesn't mean they are nice. This is an important lesson in life and one that I've been confronted with many times in my own life: as a human being, as a writer, and especially as someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety for most of her adult life.

Fight the old

You may be tempted to focus on the past. Maybe you wish you had done something differently in the past. Or, maybe it's missing an old lifestyle or friends. It's easy to get stuck there, but don't do it! Focus on what you can do now—not yesterday or tomorrow. The more time we spend focusing on things that have already happened, the less energy we have left for creating change and moving forward toward a better future.

Be mindful of what is happening right now in your life. Be aware of where you are right now, physically and emotionally; who's around; whether or not there's music playing; how bright is it outside.

When thoughts arise about how things were or how they should be, simply notice them without judging them as good or bad—and then gently return your attention back to whatever activity is occupying your mind at this very moment in time (such as breathing).

Build the new

To build the new, you have to focus on creating.

Focusing on creating creates a different way of thinking about things. Focus on what you want to create, rather than what you don't want anymore. Focus on what makes sense and feels right in your life now, not based on what someone else tells you is right or wrong for them.

Imagine how it would feel if your life was completely different from the way it is today; what would be different? What would look different? What would sound different? Imagine yourself having everything that matters to you so much that nothing else matters at all because everything else has been given away or sold cheaply (time included).

Faith

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

When we talk about having faith in something, we mean that we have strong confidence in its existence and the ability to perform its function. For example, if you have faith that your car will drive safely on the freeway, then it's reasonable for you to drive with confidence because your faith will help keep you safe.

However, this definition may be a bit too simple; after all, there are many things that exist that are not readily visible or knowable through direct experience. For example, a computer virus is something that exists but can't be directly seen or touched by humans until they happen upon it by chance or deliberate action, yet this doesn't mean our confidence should be any less strong than if we were talking about something tangibly real like our dog running around outside chasing squirrels! So what exactly does it take for us as individuals (and societies) to develop such unwavering beliefs?

God and your purpose...

Some refer to God as the Divine, the Almighty One, The Highest. However, as you see fit, all things were created through Him. Meaning that our life was created and written by God. He is our creator and we are His creation. So, even though it may seem like we are in control of our lives, there is a higher purpose that we should all strive to achieve. In fact, that is what life itself is all about; discovering what our purpose on this planet truly is. That's the beauty of life. Walking down the path to finding your purpose through Faith.

I have found that I am living by Jeremiah 29:11. which simply states, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The whole chapter is valuable but this verse is what drives my passion. Knowing that He has a plan for me to prosper is all the fuel that I need to keep focusing on my future. If this is something you struggle with, remember that you were created with specific gifts and talents that fit perfectly into His plan for you (and nothing else).

"The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new." -Socrates

You can't fight the old, it can't be changed. You have to focus on the new. The new path you have laid out before you. The days ahead are the important ones.

You can't fight the negative in your life. It's always going to be around. You have the power to change your surroundings or environment. You have to see the positive instead and focus on that.

Focusing on the past only takes away from your present day. Focusing on the future and what is possible will change your life once you accept this perspective.

Conclusion

The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new. I will close with this thought. Builders build moving forward not backward. Your rearview mirror allows you to monitor what's behind you but the windshield is bigger for a reason.

Could you imagine driving a car the size of a rearview mirror?

It was designed this way on purpose.

As you were designed for this life on purpose.