-by Mindy IrishNo matter where you are on your journey, you’re likely to encounter a lot of change on your interior and exterior! It’s great! You look and feel different, your mindset changes, and life takes a new course. What a happy time in your life….or is it?
Change is different and change is good. But not everyone in your life will be able to sit on your cheering squad. I recently visited a center in urban Indianapolis that is focused on changing the course of poverty in our society. As we took a tour, one of the staff explained how in some cases in this community, when a young student is nearing the age and ability to graduate from high school and go on to college, sometimes many of that student’s family members are against it. He explained that in some instances, it is very threatening to the family and is such a different way of life than where they came from. Who wouldn’t want their child to go on to get an education and job training for their future? It makes sense though. If people that are close to you have not experienced what you’re going through, then sometimes they put on the red lights and try to stop your show. They feel threatened by your change, drive, and success.
It’s very similar in health and fitness. Making a change to yourself on the in and outside can be very threatening to those around you. Instead of them being happy and supportive of your progress, a few may be frustrated that they are not keeping the same pace or making similar changes. This part is what really shocked me as I progressed along.
When I set out I didn’t desire to impress or get approval of others around me, so why did I let their judgment and questioning throw hurdles in my own course? I had to stop and remember my why and learn to let go of the words, feedback, and questioning that was coming my way.
You will encounter resistance, but I do feel it’s just part of life and part of turning up your filters. Be set in who you listen to and focus on your progress. Carry on at your pace and towards your goals and never let mediocrity get a hold of you and tear you down. However, know that the ones that offer the greatest resistance are likely the ones that are watching you the closest. They’re watching your consistency, dedication, and drive. And in the long run, it’s very, very contagious! Change is different, but change is good!