Ask Mark Ward

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Make a Change.

It is seemingly scary, utterly exhilarating, and often necessary if we prefer to live rather than exist. It’s change and it has the power to transform our lives in ways we never imagined. Introducing change is crucial for invigorating our lives and injecting vitality into an otherwise routine existence. 

Admittedly, change can be downright intimidating. We are creatures of habit, comfort, and routine. We like our cozy little bubbles where everything feels safe and familiar. But, remaining within those confines for too long can lead to stagnation, boredom, and apathy. We’ve all been there.

We’re doing the same thing day in and day out, and, one day we awaken to realize that we are stuck in a rut. Our once vibrant life now feels like a monotonous cycle of repetition. It’s Groundhog Day, without the comedic charm. It’s at this point of heightened awareness that we are invited to shake things up and inject a little change.

Change can be the magical ingredient that adds spice to the otherwise bland soup of life. It is the catalyst for growth, learning, and self-discovery. There is a catch, however; change usually does not happen by itself. It requires a willingness to step outside of our comfort zone, embrace uncertainty, and say “yes” to new experiences. We must be willing to trade the known for the unknown, the familiar for the unfamiliar, and the comfortable for the exhilarating. 

Because change can inspire fear, we are often resistant. We want to cling to what feels safe and familiar; but, growth only occurs outside of our comfort zones. When we challenge ourselves to try new things, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities we never knew existed. 

There is a gift in trying new things. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, exploring different cuisines, or traveling to a place we’ve never been before, stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to some of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Like adding color to a black-and-white photograph, everything becomes vibrant, alive, and full of potential.

Trying new things is not just about the experience itself; it is about what it teaches us along the way. Every new adventure is an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery. It challenges us to push past our limits, overcome obstacles, and embrace the unknown with open arms. It builds resilience, adaptability, and confidence—qualities that are invaluable in both our personal and professional lives. 

The question that often arises when considering change is, “What if I fail?” “What if things do not go as planned?” The beauty of change is that it is about the journey, not the outcome. We might stumble along the way. We might face setbacks, obstacles, and moments of doubt, but each failure is merely a stepping stone on the path to success.

Failure is not the end of the road; it is just a detour that leads us down a different (and often more exciting) path. It is our opportunity to course-correct, reevaluate our priorities, and emerge stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever before. Remember, the greatest achievements often stem from the ashes of our greatest setbacks. 

In order to embrace change and inject new energy into our lives, we have to begin to shift our mindset. Instead of viewing change as a threat, we can see it as an opportunity to grow, evolve, and become the best version of ourselves. We can start small by trying something new every day—take a different route to work, try food that you have never had, strike up a conversation with a stranger, etc.

Once we become more comfortable with the idea of change, we can challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zone in bigger ways. Take that dance class, book that solo trip to a foreign country, and start that passion project that you’ve been putting off for years. The possibilities are endless once we have the willingness to take the first step.

Success or sabotage? Life is too short to simply exist. We owe it to ourselves to embrace change, seize opportunities, and live our lives to the fullest.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Take a leap of faith, try something new, and watch your world transform before your very eyes.