It’s hard to miss the change happening everywhere around us during Fall in New England. Whether it’s the change in your schedule, the weather, or adjusting to the darkness at 5:30 am (IYKYK). However, those examples describe the change happening to us. Not necessarily change that is required from within or in our lives. Change is often complicated, complex, challenging, and scary. There are, however, times in our life that require a change to achieve growth.
I’m sure we can all think of a time that was super challenging at the moment, but we understand this struggle signals that we are creating a positive change. Without a painful stimulus, we may never undergo meaningful positive change. It could be a set of thrusters, starting a new workout routine, or committing to a new healthy habit. We endure the discomfort because we know it will benefit us in the future.
Many of you have embraced this challenge in the search for change, which takes a lot of bravery. I remember how anxious and intimidated I was walking into my first CrossFit gym in 2011. I continue to be inspired by members who have been brave enough to try something new.
We are unique, and each situation varies, but I hear common themes when talking to new members. I often hear, “I want more energy,” “to feel more confident,” and “keep up with the kids.” These individuals are willing to deal with the anxiety and uncertainty and accept that they may need a change in their life. I respect the courage it must take to walk into a new gym, be open, ask for help, and commit to wanting something more. We are all so fortunate to be a part of a community of people who decided to embrace the change and work towards a new goal and progress.
I think embracing this discomfort is easier to recognize, and endure with physical challenges, like thrusters . . . but are we as good with internalizing the same message regarding mental health or internal struggle? I don’t believe I have the same tools or skills when navigating the “psychological thrusters” I encounter. I’m working on that, and here are some things I have learned.
Have humility, listen, be curious, not judgmental, and have patience. It’s important to recognize we don’t know everything, and with humility and introspection, we can be open to all possibilities. Staying focused on the task/challenge is important while not being distracted from the “noise” we might hear from others. We can often learn all we need to know simply by listening. As long as we’re listening humbly and intently to not only ourselves but others, we might be able to adapt to change more easily. Approaching change from a place of curiosity and not being judgmental can help us facilitate and process the change more effectively.
Finally, patience might be the most important quality to remember when approaching a change. It might be best to act slowly when implementing something new, and know that it might just take time to achieve the desired outcome, and know that’s OK. Taking it slowly can be an effective way to bring about lasting, impactful change rather than jumping in and achieving quick, often short-lived minimal change. Change is often difficult, but not impossible – and might be more easily achieved with humility, curiosity, patience, and openness.
As I think about the attributes exhibited by many of our members seeking change, I think we can learn a lot. How do you approach change in your life? Have you found ways to embrace this change and not be so fearful?
Jason Harrington, CEO & Founder
Prowess Fitness & Nutrition
