Change

Change? Is it really that difficult? Let’s see…you can change a dollar for four quarters. Or maybe you would like 10 dimes. How about 100 pennies? Now that I think about it you could change that dollar for 1 quarter, two dimes, 12 nickels, and 5 pennies. Are you kidding me? I thought change was easy.  

Change can be made as easy or difficult as we want it to be. Just like in the example above with all the various ways to make change for a dollar. I would like to share a few practical tips on how you can make change easier, whether it be changing your weight, changing the way the house looks, or changing that process at work in order to be more efficient.

First and foremost you can’t change everything at once. Let’s use your house as an example (remember this is the analogy; relate this to what you want to change). The windows are dirty, the blinds are dusty, the floors need mopped, sheets need changed, toilets need cleaned, and the laundry needs washed.

Many times we think of all the things that need to be done. At times we will even make a list so we can tackle the list with purpose. Many times when we make a list or think of all the things that need to change it sends an overwhelming feeling through our body that motivates us to do nothing. Why is that? It is because we become overwhelmed by the task. We start playing mind games. We tell ourselves such things as, “I will never have time. I can’t accomplish all these things by myself. Or what is the use? It will only get dirty again.”

You can’t do everything at once. So, don’t become overwhelmed by thinking of everything at once. Pick one thing and start with that. For example, tomorrow I will clean all the windows on the first floor. The following day I will change the sheets on the bed. Start small, think small and then celebrate the success after a few small tasks are completed.

Whether it is losing weight by walking one block at a time, eating healthier one salad at a time, or having a clean house one window at a time, you can get there by not letting yourself becoming overwhelmed by the whole task. Make change the easiest possible way. Don't throw in the pennies.