Written by: R. Natasha Stephens, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The cultural climate of this post-millennial age has become overstimulated and overconnected. For instance, much like the word love, transformation is used loosely. When overused, these terms start to lose value. Though change and transformation are used interchangeably, there is a difference. A stark difference to be exact.
We hear most about "transformations" as it relates to lifestyle from hair to wardrobes and body, whether natural or surgical, but according to this definition, do these examples qualify? Let's dissect both terms and see what we get.
Change modifies behavior based on external influences to achieve the desired result which can be temporary as we can always go back to old behaviors due to habit. When this happens, change isn't complete and transformation hasn't yet happened.
However, transformation occurs when one's core beliefs and values are modified causing more permanent and far-reaching impact. With that said, all transformation is change but not all change is transformation.
For example, throughout the ages, the most popular topic of discussion is how to successfully lose weight and keep the weight off. According to the differences between change and transformation, changing how we eat to fit a certain dress or to be more desirable can motivate us to lose weight and get results but to keep it off will require a change at the core level.
That dress will get old and the attention that is craved today may be the attention that is despised tomorrow for whatever reason. The point is, there is nothing more certain than change. When the circumstance that once motivated you changes, the motivation changes. Depending on how frequent and intense those changes are, the possibility of retreating increases.
However, for permanent results, we must amend our beliefs and values about life with consideration of the role of food and exercise.
Another difference between the two is that transformation doesn't focus on starting with changed behaviors, but it ends there. Examining your purpose for losing the weight and the values around your purpose is a good start and anchor for achieving permanent weight loss results.
Additionally, transformation is different from change whereas it redefines a thing as it births new life and purpose.
To reiterate, the evidence of transformation occurs when your actions, behavior, and desires shift due to changed values and beliefs. This change at the core level is deep enough, long enough, and impactful enough to see a manifestation.
Transformation is a process and there are 3 simplistic ways to commit to the process of transformation.
1. Keep going.
Everyone starts but few finishes. As soon as we are faced with opposition we allow fear to set in and we shrink back. Looking at opposition as training to develop your endurance muscle will help to persevere in the race.
2. Complete what you started.
See it through until the end. You owe it to yourself to see your capabilities. In addition, there are people on the other side in need of those discovered capabilities. No matter how difficult, finish!
3. Revisit your why (purpose). The why motivates the how and what.
Along the journey, there will be possible delays, distractions, and detours. Being aware of this, keep in mind why you started in the first place. This is also the same as believing or keeping the faith. Faith isn't a one-time event, it's a practice. Your purpose and faith are interconnected. To fulfill the purpose, you have to believe it's yours to fulfill.
Lastly, transformation is a journey. It's a journey that will ultimately change how you see what you see. This takes time, a lifetime to be exact. Knowing this, let it inspire you to live a transformative life. One that is ever-growing, flexible, and light! The benefit of a lifetime committed to transformation is one full of adventure. This may sound appealing to those who feel underwhelmed and unenthused with how you've experienced life thus far.
After reading this, what helps you to now understand the distinction between change and transformation?
What practices can help you start your journey to transformation?
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R. Natasha Stephens, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazin Natasha, a retired dental hygienist, turned entrepreneur as owner of Transformational Coaching with Natasha and a women's athleisure clothing brand, Ripped and Restored, is committed to the transformational journey as she discovers new ways of being and higher than realized levels of existence through the power of pain and using it to her advantage as a springboard to create an ideal life for herself. Along the way, she answered the call to empower others with this revelation. With fiery passion and authentic advocacy, she is dedicated to revolutionizing mental health and fitness by embracing the pain of conflict and resistance in whatever form as a weapon for good. Realizing that thoughts shape reality, Natasha's coaching model is built around mindset shifts resulting in realized potential. She loves to volunteer in local and global dental missions, physical exercise, and travel in her spare time.
