Transforming Into A New You

Vol. 10

From Caterpillar To Butterfly

The process of change and transformation is always a difficult one. But just look at how a clumsy-looking caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly. How is it that such a great change can happen with so little effort while we humans struggle with change and transformation?

The Slow Descent To ‘Average’

We often get very comfortable with the status quo. After having taken some years to get to where we are, we decided to settle with it. After all, we now can do it with our eyes almost closed and we already know how to deal with the ups and downs that’s dealt out to us. There’s also that understanding of what makes the people around us tick and how to hide things under the carpet when necessary. Thoughts are kept close to our chest, and we shut up in order not to rock the boat.

Is there a niggling feeling somewhere deep inside of you that you have given up on your dreams? That the goal you wanted to achieve has also been swept under the carpet? Are you truly happy with who you are today? Are you at peace with the situation at home, work, extended family and friends and perhaps even with the world around you?

Growing up, there would have been huge ideals and visions of changing the earth, and being awash with power and success. Somewhere along the way, whilst trying to fit into the daily grind, we settled for the average. Settling means staying stagnant with our passion gradually fading away. That’s when chores and responsibilities feel like a ball chained to us. Over the years, this ball would expand exponentially, and its weight would wear us down.

Where You Are Meant To Be

One day, I finally realized who I was born to be on this earth. I shed tears of joy when I decided to honor myself by becoming that person. I needed to drop the part of me that felt low self-worth and who was trapped with immense resistance towards responsibility. I yearned to become someone with joy, freedom and love. And I wanted to share that with the world. This is my calling and passion. My body told me to bid goodbye to my old self. I had to transform.

When you decide on what it is that you want to be, you will find the strength to want to change. Having acknowledged the need to move on, that ball will become lighter and your heart will start to sing. So, boldly try the “6 Steps To A New You” given and begin your own transformation immediately.

Embrace The New You!

Remember this – you have to love the process. Don’t dread it. Act on them with joy as you begin changing, and change will happen. As my mentor told me, embrace transformation with love. Understand that the previous energy had served its purpose. Now let the butterfly soar!

6 Steps To A New You

1. Acknowledge The Need
First, acknowledge that there is a need to change. Without being conscious of this need, you won’t be inspired to move away from your comfort zone. Find some quiet time for reflection. Ask yourself if everything is going well and if you are very happy with your life. Are there areas which can be better? Are there things that you want to change? Do you have a deep desire to do it?

2. Make A List
Be honest with yourself. List all the things you want to change realistically without being too lofty. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day! Start in stages, with something achievable. Putting too much pressure on yourself could mean setting yourself up for failure even before you begin. Prioritize the items in the list, starting from the smallest to the biggest change to give you the confidence and build up the momentum of your transformation.

3. Intend With Full Commitment
Everything that you do in life must begin with the ‘right’ intent. Doing something with the right frame of mind and the right reasons will make things easier. The power and focus of intent can move mountains. With such power, any endeavor that you set out to do will start and end well.

Intention is when your entire being is aligned and synchronizes with your thoughts, attitude, behavior and emotions. What you need to change is something that you truly believe that you must achieve – with all of your body, mind and soul. Jump in with full commitment!

4. Let Go Of
Think about all the habits, thoughts and attitudes that have kept you back from your goals. List these down. As they no longer serve you, they have to be released. The old has to go before the new can come in.

Again, find a quiet space when your emotions are also quiet. Close your eyes and let the old habits pass through your mind. Acknowledge that they helped you in the past to become who you are today. So, thank them with love. You needed them then but it is time to send them away now. Wish the old you well and see them float away. Then have faith, trust and belief that it has happened.

5. Set Goals
Of course there has to be a goal. What do you want to achieve and become? What kind of habits and attributes will you need to fulfill the new you? Visualize and announce them to yourself. Tell all the cells in your body that you will do everything in your power to reach that goal. Then set out to work at it.

6. Take Action
Nothing happens if you don’t do anything about it. This is what all the gurus out there always expound. Imagine if you just sit in your old comfortable spot staying you will change but never take the actual steps. They will stay as mere daydreams. Don’t get me wrong. Daydreams allow us to see the big picture and fuel the passion. As they say, Leonardo Da Vinci did a lot of daydreaming to become the great artist and inventor he was. But he took concrete action after the dreaming. So if you need to wake up an hour earlier to start, do it! Read a new chapter everyday on the skill that you need to learn. Practice presenting yourself in a new light. Join a class to learn or relearn something.

With your goal in mind, you will find ways to act on it.