Without a doubt, we live in a society that consistently promotes productivity – always moving on to the next thing, accomplishing a myriad of goals, and constantly striving to outperform others.

Things are always moving and changing, and sometimes it may seem that we have to do the same. It can be hard to keep up, and more often it may be easier to roll with the tide, instead of pursuing your own personal well-being and authenticity. The truth is, change is inevitable and often challenging to initiate. Sometimes, dealing with the discomfort that accompanies change can be even more difficult than the change itself, and this often puts us in a position of doubting our own ability to change and grow. We begin to stack all odds against ourselves, identify every excuse in the book, and put as much distance as possible between ourselves and the change as it’s much easier to do so than outrightly believe we have the power to approach it head on despite the challenges that may be present.

Believing in your own power and embracing change are fundamental aspects of personal growth, and the more we doubt ourselves and our ability to change, the more we are telling ourselves that we deserve to stay exactly where we are. Fostering self-doubt inhibits self-belief, and thus takes away the power within you. Tony Robbins said it well when he wrote: “Power is the ability to change your life, to shape your perceptions, to make things work for you and not against you. Real power is shared, not imposed. It’s the ability to define human needs and to fulfill them—both your needs and the needs of the people you care about. It’s the ability to direct your own personal kingdom—your own thought processes, your own behavior—so you produce the precise results you desire. (2008, Chapter 1, para. 8)”

One of the key things to take away here is the emphasis on you – your life, your needs, your behaviors. You have to give yourself permission to change and accept that change as something you deserve and that belongs to you. And this is not without acknowledging the fact that there may be circumstances beyond your control, but it is within your power to control how you respond to them. By focusing on what you can change and taking ownership of your personal growth, you can navigate through challenges and embrace new opportunities with confidence and resilience. And that’s what important – believing in your own self-confidence to assert and abide by that which you determine is the direction of your life.

The Mountain is You by Briana Wiest begins its first chapter by saying, “There is nothing holding you back in life more than yourself,” and while you can and should make space for those factors that must be considered as they affect your livelihood, it’s also imperative that you recognize the role you play in your own journey. When you pay attention to the power you have over your thoughts, actions and decisions, you’ll find it can be easy to break free from any self-imposed limitations. Awareness is a great first step to take so listen to yourself. Change is an opportunity to exercise your own power and be a witness to your own potential. It’s encouraged to embrace it and overcome your doubts so that you can confidently navigate through life’s transitions.

It can be a process to successfully embrace change and all that comes with it. If you find it difficult to navigate on your own, consider speaking to someone for extra guidance and support. Professional help can provide valuable tools to help you thrive, and Capital EAP is here for you. Connect with one of our counselors by reach out to our intake team at 518-465-3813 to schedule an appointment.

  • Robbins, T. (2008). Unlimited power: The new science of personal achievement. Simon and Schuster.
  • Wiest, B. (2020). The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery. Thought Catalog Books.

By: Nakisha Williams, MHC Intern