3 Very Important Steps You Must Take To See Change

Change is a word that is often used all around us for different reasons. No matter what context it is used, it is never passive.

When you hear or use the word change what comes to your mind?

What comes to my mind is movement, doing something different, to switch up or take action. It is said that the only thing constant in life is change. So each day we’re evolving either into a better version of ourselves or a not so good version. The key lies in our choices and decisions.

Have you had moments where you just sit back and reflect on the past, and realize how much you’ve changed over the years? Some of the things you did and the decisions you made then seem so unbelievable to you now. If YES, then you are evolving; no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. I’ve learned that change is continuous but it’s our responsibility to align ourselves with it. We all desire to see change in one way or another in our lives. But to see the change we desire, I believe there are steps we must take. I call these steps the 3 A’s of change.

The 3 A’S Of Change

1. Awareness

Being aware means that we must always recognize our need for change. This is very important. Our level of awareness would determine our level of growth. Most times, the aspect of our lives we are most likely to work on and make effort is that in which we possess some level of awareness and recognize the need for a change.

If you have ever been in conversation with someone who doesn’t recognize the need for change, then you know how frustrating that conversation could be. Trying to convince them otherwise almost feels like a battle and a total waste of time– Even when provided with the right tools and information to facilitate change, they never put it to use. This is because they haven’t come to a place of awareness. We all become aware of situations and behavioral patterns at different stages and times in our lives. No matter when and how this happens awareness is always needed in order to move forward.

Self-awareness often requires you digging deep. Having a one on one conversation with yourself. Asking yourself hard questions–Like am I truly happy with who I am, and where I’m at in life? What area of my life do I need to work on? Your answers would determine your next line of action. Sadly, this is not always the case; we would rather avoid asking ourselves hard questions and settle for temporary relief; something to make us feel good for a moment and totally neglect the need for change. But you can only do this for so long, eventually, you would have to confront yourself and those situations. Want to know more about self-awareness? Find out here.

In the past, I often avoided asking myself hard questions. I just didn’t want to deal with the thoughts and emotions that came with it. I spent most of the time trying to distract myself because I didn’t want to face the truth. This brought relief but it was only temporary and temporary relief is no remedy for change. Confrontation brings awareness, and awareness is always needed to facilitate change.

2. Acquaint

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When you’re becoming aware, the next step is to get acquainted. Don’t underestimate the power of information. Read! Learn! Absorb! Get Information about that in which you desire to see change.

Most people are aware of their need for change but never go ahead and get the knowledge and information that could be of great help. Let’s say you’re not very good at public speaking, you’re very much aware and desire to be better. Your next step should be to go get help. Go talk to someone who is well informed or better yet go on google and search for whatever it is you need and get the information.

We are in a world, where all the information we need is right at our fingertips. We have no excuses. Sometimes when going through various situations in life, we tend to feel isolated. But your situation is never unique to you; there are people out there who have gone through similar situations and have provided meaningful information to facilitate change.

Getting informed is very vital. I am yet to find someone who evolved and accomplished their dreams without being hungry for information. You might just be a book away from getting that information that could bring change to your life. Learning is a habit that can be cultivated. If you’re not a visual learner- meaning you don’t like to read books, there are audiobooks out there for you. Do whatever you must to get knowledge and enlightenment about your situation. Getting information will cost you but living a life without information will cost you more. Choose wisely the cost you’re willing to pay.

3. Action

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Knowledge alone is not enough! Put into practice the information you have received! We hear this all the time but somehow we still find ourselves in the place of inaction for various reasons, some of which are somewhat justifiable. I am here as a reminder that if you truly want things to be different, your desire for change must surpass that of your current situation and excuses.

I’ve found this to be true. Most times when we give excuses why we can’t or won’t, it’s because the issue at hand is of little or no importance to us at that moment and we are yet to discover its importance. When something is truly important, we drop all excuses and go after it.

I know change is sometimes painful and long. We often want to see the results of our actions immediately but we have to accept the fact that change is a process and through that process, we are able to build a strong character. Our actions play a vital role, it leads to activation which in turn creates the appetite or hunger needed to see the process through. To live a life of purpose, I believe we must always try to remain self-aware, always eager to learn and put into practice all we have learned.

If you made it this far in this blog post, I would like for you to ask yourself these 3 questions.

1. How self-aware are you?

2. Are you well informed?

3. What actions do you need to take to achieve your goals? 

Whatever your answers are, you are still able to align yourself with the process of change. The ball is now in your court. Remember, there is nothing you can’t do, can’t have and can’t achieve. You can do this.