As a Certified Hypnotherapist & Rapid Transformational Coach®, Lauren draws upon her profound empathy to chart pathways of self-discovery for clients. Her blend of coaching and hypnotherapy purges old, limiting patterns, unveiling inner strengths, and sparking meaningful life shifts.
Do you ever find yourself longing for more, dreaming of a different life, but failing to make any progress toward it? Perhaps you imagine a more fulfilling career, but rather than seeking new opportunities, you stick with your current job even though it no longer excites you. Or maybe you long for the freedom to start your own business, but doubts and fears hold you back. There might be hobbies you’ve always wanted to pursue or far-off places you’ve dreamed of visiting, yet somehow, you keep falling into the same old routine. If this feels all too familiar, know that you’re not alone. Many of us cling to what’s comfortable, safe, and routine, even when it no longer serves us. We listen to the excuses our mind comes up with to avoid trying new things. But what if today could be different? Keep reading to discover powerful mindset shifts that can help you break free from routine and start living the life you’ve always imagined.
Why is embracing change so difficult?
Our minds are hardwired to cling to what’s comfortable. In many ways, our minds work against us, often without us even realizing it. Over time, parts of our brain have evolved, while others remain rooted in ancient survival instincts. In the early days of humanity, trying something new or unfamiliar often carried life-or-death consequences–eating a strange berry could be fatal, or seeking shelter in an unknown place might lead to danger. Those instincts served us well back then, but today, they hold us back. Breaking free from the grip of these deep-seated fears takes real effort. It’s not easy to push past the automatic thoughts and excuses that flood our minds, urging us to stay put, to play it safe. But understanding this is the first step toward reclaiming control and embracing the change you seek.
Why do we crave change in the first place?
Sometimes, our craving for change begins with simple boredom. When life becomes monotonous and lacks challenge or excitement, a sense of restlessness arises, pushing us to seek something more. This restlessness is not just a passing feeling; it’s deeply ingrained in our biology. Our brains release dopamine–a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction–when we achieve something new or overcome a challenge. This natural reward system motivates us to keep exploring, learning, and growing.
But there’s more to it than just boredom. We’re also driven by a profound desire for happiness, growth, and fulfillment. We’re not just creatures of habit; we’re also wired for curiosity and continuous personal development. Throughout our evolutionary history, seeking out new experiences–whether it was navigating unknown terrains, experimenting with hunting methods, or developing new tools–was crucial for survival. Those who were curious and adaptable thrived, passing on their traits and shaping our modern instincts. Today, this same drive fuels our desire to learn, grow, and leave our mark on the world. We sense there’s something more out there waiting for us, and it’s the pursuit of this meaning that pulls us forward. We long for lives filled with purpose and the knowledge that we’re making a difference. This craving for change is a powerful force–a whisper reminding us that there’s more to life than simply going through the motions.
Why is embracing change so important?
Change is inevitable–it happens whether we’re ready for it or not. While we sometimes have the power to choose change, more often, it’s thrust upon us without warning. We can't control every aspect of our lives or the actions of others. Loved ones pass away, businesses falter, companies shift direction, health issues arise–the list goes on. We're surrounded by decisions and circumstances that impact us, often beyond our control. However, by intentionally making change familiar, we can integrate it into our comfort zone, driving personal growth and enhancing our emotional well-being. When we embrace the changes we can influence, we build resilience, which in turn helps us navigate the changes we can’t control with greater grace and strength. By going with the natural flow of life instead of resisting it, we discover just how capable we are of handling whatever comes our way. This adaptability becomes key to achieving success and fulfillment in life.
10 key insights to embrace change and live your best life
The power of perspective
The way you look at things can make all the difference. Remembering that everyone’s journey is always evolving and is unique and special in its own way, can help ease the pressure you put on yourself. Letting go of regrets and judgments about the past can help you find peace with where you are now. When you take a moment to reflect, you realize you have already overcome countless obstacles, navigating life’s ups and downs, and you’ve always found a way forward. Let that be your guiding light, your source of strength, and the power that propels you forward. When you seek change or improvement, do so from a place of peace–accepting how you’ve arrived at this point while being excited about the future that you have the power to shape.
Comparison is the thief of joy – Theodore Roosevelt
In today’s world, comparison has become an almost unavoidable part of daily life. At its core, comparison can help us understand our place in society, measure our progress, and set goals. However, what once involved comparing ourselves to those in our immediate community as a source of motivation has now morphed into a relentless cycle of feeling inadequate, anxious, and perpetually dissatisfied. Social media amplifies this by offering only curated glimpses into others’ lives–just the highlights they want you to see, and only in the way they choose to present them. We’re no longer just influenced by our local community; we’re impacted by people all over the world. Instead of being inspired by a few, we’re overwhelmed by the masses. Society often equates success with material wealth, pushing us to chase things we don’t truly need, driven by clever marketing and influencers dictating what’s “good” or “bad.” As a result, we let external forces guide our lives instead of our own internal desires and well-being. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves to others and start comparing ourselves to who we were the day before. Let your own hopes, dreams, and feelings be your compass–not anyone else’s.
Parent yourself through this journey
As children, we have parents, teachers, and schools guiding us, holding us accountable, and giving structure to our lives. But as we grow older, especially after leaving school, we often find ourselves without that external support. Suddenly, we’re responsible for setting our own goals, keeping ourselves on track, and holding ourselves accountable. So, you must parent yourself through this journey. Our minds can be harsh if we let them, so offer yourself the same kindness and encouragement you would give a child. Guide yourself with both firmness and compassion. It’s easy to fall into self-judgment over what you think you should have done or achieved by now, but instead, recognize and celebrate every step you take, no matter how small. Just as you would make sure a child eats well, speaks kindly, and finishes their tasks, be the supportive, loving parent you need for yourself.
Let your heart lead, not your mind
We frequently find ourselves wanting more, whether it’s possessions, status, or achievements. Yet, if you dig deeper, you’ll discover that what you’re really craving is not the things themselves, but the emotions you believe they will bring. Everything that you want is because you believe it will make you feel better by having it. At your core, you just want to feel good–to experience joy, love, excitement, and freedom. These desires come from your heart, where your true feelings reside. The more you allow your heart’s desires to guide you and learn to quiet the voice in your mind, the closer you’ll come to what you truly seek.
Finding clarity is key
One of the biggest challenges we face is gaining clarity. While you may know you want more freedom, ease, or excitement, it's crucial to pinpoint what specifically brings you these feelings. What one person considers freeing, might feel limiting to another, and what excites you might bore someone else. Discovering what truly resonates with you is the key to finding clarity. Without it, you may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or indecisive. With clarity, however, you can focus your efforts, take meaningful action, and feel invigorated.
To gain clarity, create space for introspection. Step away from everyday distractions and dedicate time for deep reflection. Journaling about what you’re seeking clarity on and why can be insightful, or you might find it helpful to let your thoughts flow freely to clear any mental blocks. Meditation is another powerful method; while some use it to focus and address specific issues, I find it most effective to focus on nothing and simply calm my mind and clear mental clutter. Over time, these practices lead to more frequent insights and better control over your thoughts and emotions. If meditation and journaling aren’t your style, consider sitting quietly with your morning coffee, observing the world outside, or reflecting on your day in the evening. Any practice that quiets your mind or releases pent-up thoughts will help you let go of what no longer serves you and uncover what you truly desire.
Free yourself from the "how"
When we overthink how to handle every detail, the process of achieving our goals can quickly become overwhelming. The urge to plan out every step and control every aspect of the journey often results in stress, frustration, and even inaction. Letting go of the "how" involves releasing the need to have every step meticulously planned. It’s about trusting that the right path will reveal itself as you move forward. By relinquishing control over how things should happen, you open yourself to unexpected opportunities and creative solutions you might not have anticipated. This shift in mindset allows you to focus your energy on simply taking the next step, trusting that the rest will unfold in its own time.
Don’t become the program
You have the power to shape your future, but to do so, you need to stop living on autopilot and start taking intentional steps toward your ideal life. Committing to this journey means growing and evolving, rather than letting routine dictate your days. Our bodies and minds are skilled at automating tasks, from brushing your teeth to brewing your morning coffee or commuting to work. Over time, these actions become second nature, requiring no conscious thought—just the program your mind and body have created and follow each day. Have you ever driven to work and found that you have no recollection of the journey there? How about tying your shoes–do you have to think about each step, or does it just happen? These tasks have become part of your autopilot over time. If you’re not careful, your entire day can fall into this automatic pattern, causing each day to blend into the next with no intentional change. You might find yourself repeating the same routines, experiences, and thoughts from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. To truly transform your days, you need to consciously choose to make changes and break free from these preprogrammed patterns.
Every experience has value
Life is about valuing experiences, not just accomplishments, completions, or material possessions. There is no end point, no final destination where you will no longer want or desire things; it’s an evolution of the driving forces inside you. Each experience, whether joyous or challenging, helps guide you toward the next thing you want to explore. Not every moment will be ideal, but that doesn’t make it wrong or bad. Negative experiences are just as valuable as positive ones in shaping your path because sometimes you figure out what you do want, by figuring out what you don’t want. Recognizing that every life experience offers insight into the choices you make and the direction you wish to go, is a freedom all its own.
Stop rushing things
When you’re at the beginning of your journey, you won’t have the same insights, understanding, or ideas, as when you’re further along. Just as you wouldn’t expect a 1st grader to perform at a 5th grader’s level, you need to build your foundation step by step. This slow and steady approach builds momentum and creates meaningful moments of insight. It’s normal for your path to evolve and change as you grow. Along the way, you’ll uncover what truly resonates with you and what doesn’t, experience events that shift your perspective, and encounter moments that spark new ideas. You’ll also come to a crossroads where important decisions need to be made. Remember, the path to change is not a straight line; it’s full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Embrace the journey and savor each step. It’s far more rewarding than constantly wishing you were five steps ahead of where you are now.
Your ready
Only you can commit to the changes you want to make in your life. If you find yourself contemplating these changes daily, it’s a clear sign you’re ready. Often, it’s your own mind that holds you back, clinging to what’s comfortable and safe. But remember, safety doesn’t equate to happiness. Staying in your comfort zone limits your freedom to choose how you spend your time and energy. By letting your mind keep you in familiar territory, you miss out on the joy and excitement of new experiences. This can create a loop of dissatisfaction–hoping for change without stepping outside your comfort zone to accomplish it. To spark new feelings and opportunities, you need to create space away from your routine thoughts and actions. When you crave new experiences, that’s your cue to act. Start with small, manageable steps toward the future you want to build. These don’t have to be bold leaps into the unknown; tiny, gradual changes can lead to significant shifts over time. As you make these small adjustments, you’ll expand your comfort zone and transform your sense of what’s possible. What seems daunting now can become achievable with time and persistence. Gradually, as you adjust and widen your comfort zone, you’ll find that nothing is out of reach anymore.
Questions to contemplate as you start your journey
What would life be like if you did nothing and continued to live exactly as you are now? Consider the impact of maintaining your current path and the potential outcomes of not making any changes.
What are you hoping to achieve as you embark on this journey of change? Define your goals and the specific outcomes you desire from this process.
What kind of life do you want to lead, and why? Reflect on the type of life that aligns with your values and passions and understand the reasons behind your vision.
What are your biggest fears or concerns about change? Identify the fears or obstacles that may be holding you back and explore how they might be addressed.
What feelings and emotions would you like to experience predominantly each day? Determine the emotions you want to cultivate and focus on how to incorporate them into your daily life.
If you're interested in gaining deeper insights and shifting your perspective on life and transformation, check out my article, 5 Crucial Insights For Achieving True Transformation.
Ready to embark on your journey to change with a supportive partner? I’d be delighted to walk this path with you, offering accountability and motivation, and helping you figure out what you truly desire and why. Visit my website to set up a discovery call. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to make your transformation a reality.
Read more from Lauren Precht
Lauren Precht, Rapid Transformational Coach & Hypnotherapist
Lauren Precht is a dedicated coach and hypnotherapist specializing in helping individuals rediscover their true selves and overcome feelings of unfulfillment and negative self-talk. With a passion for empowering people, Lauren combines personalized coaching and transformative hypnotherapy to address various life challenges and transitions. Through a journey of self-awareness and subconscious reprogramming, Lauren guides clients toward a life of authentic purpose and passion. Her mission: to help everyone wake up each day excited and aligned with their true desires.
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