The process of renewal is widespread throughout the animal kingdom. Birds molt and regrow beautiful feathers, reptiles shed their old skin and slither out of it in shiny new skin, many crustaceans break free from their shells, seek refuge in safe places and emerge wearing new suits of armor. This pattern is common throughout much of the animal kingdom except humans. We have no natural radical process for change once we reach physical maturity. Our change is more often subtle less visible and internal. Change is possible nonetheless.
Change is necessary for growth. Growth is necessary to flourish. Humans (especially first responders and veterans) are not especially fond of change. Recognizing that nothing stays the same no matter how much we would like to capture certain moments and stick them in time capsules in a first step. Managing everything that comes after is the next.
I have found that in the growth and renewal process there are three distinct steps that we need to follow in order to be successful in our efforts. 1. Understand that we all have the ability to change and grow if we want to. 2. Recognize the need for change. 3. Carefully chart a course for your change or renewal, stick to the plan but remain flexible.
Every one of us is capable of change. Some us may need help to manifest that change but we are capable of changing. We can lose weight, wake up earlier, change dietary habits, practice piano longer or drop a bad habit. Whatever it is you are capable of doing this. Para-athletes accomplish tremendous feats regularly, addicts manage recovery, and many other regular everyday people manage extra ordinary things all the time. Because they determined that they could. It is the first step. Once we have taken it, the others are possible. If you have a free minute or two, click on the provided link and watch this video from Ironman. It sums it up nicely. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdvJU4-oHuY&t=47s
Perhaps the greatest hurtle for many of us is the ability to self reflect and recognize when we need to change. Those long looks in the mirror can be difficult. Does the reflection come from loss? From life change (like retirement)? From a recovery from injury or illness or just a self assessment? If you have arrived at this conclusion, I applaud you! Some never do and languish in the same place for a long time never experiencing growth. As I write this, I’ll address what many of you are, no doubt thinking as you read this. Growth is rarely easy and can be quite painful. The alternative…stagnation isn’t much good for us either.
Think of the last time you mastered a skill, completed a course of study, accomplished a physical fitness goal or something else challenging. You undoubtedly experienced some level of satisfaction and possibly a very high level of satisfaction and contentment. Our bodies and minds require exercise, require challenge and require stimulation. Without it we will eventually fall apart.
Whatever your challenge is, whatever your targeted growth is, set yourself reasonable goals. Chart a course and stick to it the best that you can. Write down your goals. Share them with someone to whom you can be accountable (I used the term “Accountability Buddy” in a previous post and sent a friend of mine into a laughing fit, so I’ll avoid it. But hats off to him for reading it and razzing me.) and ask them to hold your feet to the fire. It is much easier if you write your goals down, create steps that you can check off as accomplished and have a partner who can journey with you.
Challenging yourself is difficult. Accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself whatever they be creates a new version of you. A renewed and refreshed you. You learn things along the way. You meet people, make friends acquire new skills and grow. Challenge yourself today. Start small. Recognize you can do it, understand the need, then chart the course and go for it. You might be surprised by the outcome.
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