Do you want a change in life?
Not everyone does, but some do. And if you are one of those people looking for change, this post is for you.
Maybe you feel stuck, or in a rut, or just discontent believing there is a bigger and better life available to you.
I don’t know exactly why you are desiring a change, or how big of a change you are looking for, but if you can be living a more intentional life, it would be a shame for you to miss it.
If you are desiring a change, there is one truth that cannot be escaped:
You can’t change your life until you change your life.
Repeating the same life tomorrow as the life you lived yesterday will only result in the same life you are living today. So if you are yearning for a change, something needs to change.
You probably already know this to be true.
The problem isn’t that we don’t know we need a change in our daily life or habits, the problem is that we don’t know where to start or the change appears too big to accomplish. We often believe that everything needs to change and the thought begins to overwhelm us. So we stick to the status quo, discontented with the trajectory of our lives.
But you don’t need to change everything to change something. In fact, changing anything has the power, in the long run, to bring about the bigger changes you desire—whatever those might be.
If you want to change your life, choose just one new, healthy habit to begin tomorrow. (It doesn’t even have to be intimately connected to the problem you are hoping to solve.) Choose one change to your life—and then stick to it. Everybody can change something.
Intentionality spurs intentionality. And when you become intentional in one area of life, the positive effects always spill over into other areas of life. Small changes become big changes over time.
So:
Wake up early.
Exercise.
Eat healthier.
Give up alcohol.
Turn off the television.
Write in a journal every day.
Meditate.
Declutter your home.
Play music.
Create art.
Or stick to a budget.
Pick just one new habit and get started with it tomorrow.
You’ll be surprised how implementing just one positive change opens your life and mind to other positive changes.
Everything doesn’t have to change in one day.
But you can’t change your life until you change your life.
You need to start somewhere.
Best article you’ve ever authored! Outstanding/straightforward/simple wisdom. Aloha, Robert
I think this is one of my all-time favorite articles you’ve written. Love the point that the first change doesn’t even need to be related to the bigger problem. Just change something, and other changes will come. I’ve never thought about that, but I’m going to try it.
Taking that first step is so important! Eight years ago, we signed our house over the bank, packed up all of our belongings in our Volvo station wagon, and moved 1300 miles across the country. Our new life here hasn’t been all roses, but the difficult times were just lessons that showed us more changes we needed to make. In the end, it was 100% worth it.
May I ask how old you were when you made this move. My husband & l really want to do something similar but I’m concerned that at 56 & 70 we may be to old to start over someplace new & different.
We did the same♡ We lived in Florida for 27 years. Had our house built.. My husband and I left our work of 20 years… And set so long for now to our family… we moved to Kentucky… We absolutely love it here! A much slower Pace of life… We go hiking, kayaking, and camping… So many places to discover… We have been in Kentucky now 8 years… I love tubing in the Winter. And sledding…. We also became christians and found a wonderful church where we are both youth leaders. I thank God everyday for Bringing us to this beautiful steak….
Intentionality spurs intentionality – love it. That is very real.
Thanks.
I need to start over. Today Thank you for helping us to review where we are now and where we want to be soon.
Oh, lord, I needed this today. I have been focusing so much on the problems I feel powerless over, that I have been ignoring that there are many, many things I DO have control over. And when you make positive changes anywhere, you feel happier and at peace, even if you continue to lack control over certain areas of your life.
Thank you Joshua… These are the words I needed to read today!
I loved this post! The sentence that resonated most with me is “you don’t have to change everything to change something.” I know I often put off doing things because I think I need to do it all at once — decluttering for example — rather than just starting. Baby steps are still steps. Thanks so much for your inspiring post.
A few words to remember ” you can’t change your life till you change your life ” to keep on the path of living my best life. I enjoy your writing very much thankyou from karon.
Got ruts? I do. It’s like you’re talking to me. I’m at transition point in life, hate where I live, yet doing anything seems overwhelming.
Wow, I get your emails regularly and always find something helpful, but I’m just blown away by this one! I read it three times in a row and then just sat down to take it all in. So simple. I can actually do this. One step at a time. Thank you.
I totally agree with you!
Same here!!!!
Amen to this! Your article makes me think of Occam’s razor: the most likely (and/or best) solution is the simplest one. Just start. Take the step. Breathe between steps. Appreciate the beauty in life. Be willing to recognize a risk and take it. Always love your articles! They keep my heart and mind open.
Thanks so much for helping me see to just start with one change!
I enjoy your knowledge and trying to make these moves to better my life and to feel a relief that I can do this even if it takes alittle while.
Your words are so inspiring. Just this week, I’ve started getting up earlier. I have a cup of hot tea and I meditate. There are other things I want to do, but for now, I’m concentrating on getting up early and meditating. Again, thank you for your words.
Over the last year I have changed just about everything you mention on that list, one step at a time, until I have created much happier, more fulfilling life. Joshua’s suggestions guided me all the way.
Man! I absolutely needed to hear/read this at the precise moment! It’s very much appreciated!
I so appreciate you showing us concrete ways to make things happen.
Very well said! Thank you!
Joshua—- this is exactly what I needed to hear. Words of wisdom. Thank you! :)
I’m an art coach.
I’m an art educator.
I’m a working artist.
My courses and coaching include ALL of your suggestions for making incremental steps to positive and intentional living.
Making art is hard work; clearing out the ‘unnecessary’ allows for more time in the studio!
Very Right On as we said back in the 60’s & 70’s. To have a change in your life you need to look internally because quite often it is so easy to use external forces as the “excuses” for why we cannot change, even take a small leap, baby steps.
It also takes some courage to admit your life may be in a rut and only you can pull yourself out of it. I would ask myself “Do I want to remain stagnant or work on progressing and evolving as change is always constant.
Great post Joshua. For some reason the fall always makes me feel motivated to start fresh again. Maybe because it’s finally cooling down enough to care. I am working on some new goals and it helps me to track my progress in a planner as well as to choose a certain amount of time to start out instead of “the rest of my life” which seems daunting and impossible.
That’s a great idea, recording you steps and goals in a journal, it just inspired me. Walking in the fall in other neighborhoods looking at wreaths and decor, the leaves, even walking in a slight Misty rain is invigorating
Fall is my favorite season. I have lost 30 lbs., and it is such a joy to be able to walk again without a sore lower back. (I have more to lose, but it is a joy to know I can now actually walk again. It is so important, when we are unhappy in life, to realize that there are things we have control over.
This is how I feel better too! I walk 3 miles a day every day if possible. It helps my mental state so much. I look forward to it and go as soon as I get off work, which for me is 7am. Beautiful time of the day :)
Great article and great motto
“You can’t change your life until you change your life”
Thanks for your encouragement and great example of living a simple life.
Hi Joshua,
Great article and I can relate to a lot of it.
Wow been searching for this change for a long time now I know where to start Thanks Joshua
I have your book I keep it with me. I have gone thru but I like to go back and reinforce my thoughts. You have helped me so much?. I am not totally for sure not there but you have really got me started. I would highly recommend you and your books.
Carol
May I ask how old you were when you made this move. My husband & l really want to do something similar but I’m concerned that at 56 & 70 we may be to old to start over someplace new & different.