90% of the time when we mention the word change, we are directing the idea and concept toward other things and other people.  Rarely do we think that the change we speak of would include any work from us personally.  Think about it, when you scream about things needed to change, never in your mind do you think, consider or even entertain the idea that the change would include you doing things differently.  In general, when we see the need for change in things, we are referring to others!

To change the things around us, one must be willing to change! I know that sounds like a lot of nothing but I promise it’s a lot of something!  You want your income status to change? Your thoughts must change.  Generally, 99% of the time, more money means more responsibility.  It means moving to a new level, different perspectives on the same ideas and challenges.  You cannot expect to earn more money and behavior in the same manner.  Well that change sets off a chain reaction.  More money and responsibility also leads to more exposure and options.  It means you can change your address, change the view of the things you see, change the view of the things you desire and pursue.  Now to those who knew you BEFORE your money, your change can be quite intimidating and they will use it as a justification to question if you know who you are.  WHAT? HOW? ARE YOU SERIOUS?  Let’s recap:  I grow up wanting more, the American Dream and I have the opportunity.  I pursue this dream with everything in me, I work hard, I step out on faith and build a business or I earn multiple degrees that allow me to sit in places, boardrooms that most cannot imagine!  I begin earning money that my parents could only dream of earning and now people question if I know who I am?!  Yep!

Change is a great thing but it can be quite tricky.  I use the term tricky because in the change, it is usually not the intention of the person in question to hurt people.  There are parts of change that we tend to overlook or not anticipate as we climb the ladder of success.  Change isn’t bad but it doesn’t always feel good either!  In most cases when we think of change, we assume or think that we will love the change and that’s not always the case.  Now does that mean one should not change? Absolutely not!

TO CHANGE, ONE MUST CHANGE!  Example: Changing your economic status will change a lot of things: social status, mental capacity, physical awareness/opportunities, spiritual awareness or lack thereof and emotional well-being.  When one has more options he or she is less likely to live life stuck, feeling without hope and waiting on a hand-out.  People, who make more money, are go getters, doers, movers and shakers!  None of those things are bad, however, when one moves out the crowd that he or she has been raised in, there will be contention, a little conflict and if one isn’t careful, guilt.

Personally, I don’t think you should ever allow people to make you feel guilty over your success.  There are some people who will always want things that they are unwilling to work for, that’s just the way they are!  The guilt comes because typically in a crowd of our peers, we may speak the same language and desire but speaking it doesn’t equal all those in the party having the ability, audacity or courage to do what has been spoken and so when you do it, leaving those that you thought were with you behind, it is easy to feel guilty.

Again, I am saying do not let their disappointments become your problem.  We can dream, desire and think together but in the end, we must achieve individually or at least grow together, not one person doing the work while carrying those too lazy to put forth effort!  The truth is everyone who screams CHANGE isn’t ready for it!  You would be surprised at how many of those in your group, say change but are just saying and could never consider seeing his or herself, being or becoming any better than they are right now.  That’s the truth!

Remember your change will make you change!  That’s okay!  It’s okay to want better, to be exposed to more, to eat differently, to frequent new places and entertain new ideas!

Not everyone screaming change is ready, do not allow their lack of preparation become your hesitation or stagnation!

Kimberly Davis