If you walked into any Barnes and Noble, there would be an entire wall dedicated to Self-Help books. Now, if you're like me, you are one of those people that believes you do not need help. Well, there comes a point when one realizes that a change is completely necessary. I'm not dying my hair purple or slapping a butterfly tattoo on my ankle because of a whim. However, while I am content with my character, I recognize that there are certain aspects I would like to change about myself. In all honestly though, the idea of change is terrifying even if the outcome is beneficial. So, before I attempt to travel along this strenuous journey, I might as well share my experience and some advice I've learned.
What if you don't want to change?
Often times, advice is easier said than done. It is extremely simple to stand in front of the mirror and dwell on your imperfections. But, how many people actually act upon those thoughts? I have thought to myself on many different occasions, "why did I act like that?" Eventually, I had to stop asking myself the same question that led to no where and actually start offering some serious effort. I couldn't simply lay around and mope expecting these magnificent changes to miraculously appear. Instead, I put on my big girl pants and I am more determined than ever. While I didn't want to initially change, I needed to and I ignored it. I pretended the issue didn't exist, until I finally resisted fighting and understood that changing myself isn't a task that requires minimal effort.
You'll become extremely exhausted from everyone's input.
Listen, your family and friends love you beyond belief, but they can also make you want to pull your hair out. While their intentions are obviously genuine, the advice they offer might not necessarily help. That doesn't mean you shouldn't still listen, just remember that it's your opinion that matters the most. What can go wrong with advice? Literally everything and anything. Often, the advice I have received seems very diverse; certain people offer similar responses, while others' responses take a complete 360. It's odd, and then you have all these contradicting opinions and looming expectations to please everyone by following their wisdom. In addition, no one knows you as well as you know yourself. Okay, maybe your parents. But seriously, people might not be able to offer accurate advice since they don't completely understand the situation.
Change is just plain weird.
When your life changes-even if for the better, it is still different and not your usual routine. Change takes you out of the comfort bubble and forces you to create new daily habits. Straying away from your routine is weird and overwhelming. For a little while there is an inexplicable something that gives you a bad vibe. Trust me, it's that change kicking in.
Once you've felt that you have changed yourself for the better, other aspects of your life will fall into place.
