Change...

In high school my senior superlative was, “Most likely to be late to graduation.” I accepted that title with a badge of honor!

When I got to college, that title stood strong. I nearly failed out of some classes just because tardiness. And it wasn’t like I strolled in 30 seconds or just a few minutes late, but rather I had a habit of showing up half way through class…if I showed up at all.

And it wasn’t just class, I was late to work, meetings, coffee mtgs, and hangouts. People just knew I was late. It went from being a fun senior superlative to a real problem. One that made people feel like they couldn’t count on me, and negatively impacted my school work.

When I began to realize this wasn’t just a cute trait and that it had serious consequences, I didn’t start blaming everyone else, thinking they just need to change the meeting times. We all know that wouldn’t have solved the problem. Instead I had to accept that I was being selfish. That for my habit to change I needed to change how I thought.

This is a small example of a much bigger issue. Many times if things aren’t going our way we expect everyone else to change. It may be about how our organization is run, how our community should change, the direction our country should go, and maybe even how the world should act.

But often it comes down to us as individuals. If we want certain things to change it usually needs to start with us.

Many times, however, we may look for information that confirms our thinking or habits. For example, right now I could probably find 17 articles online telling me how I am some kind of genius because I’m always late. Well, that is doing nothing but strengthening my problem, it would be helpful for me or anyone around me.

Likewise, what you look for you can find. There is probably some issue you’re aware of that you could find an emotionally heated article, video, or spreadsheet that affirms your thinking. Don’t do that. You are far too wise to just allow any type of emotionally based piece of information to drive your life.

Take a step back, research, investigate, sift through information, and make a decision with a clear and rational head. Heck, you have the ability to think about this blog post critically.

I don’t want to give up my free thinking to be a slave to someone else’s thinking and you shouldn’t either.

True change begins with you.