I'm typing this on a computer I bought used that's sitting on a desk I got at a yard sale. Come to think of it, I also inherited this chair from some previous office and I'm drinking from a water bottle I've refilled a bunch of times.
Brand new, pristine, still in the wrapper has its appeal too of course. But throwing away perfectly good stuff bugs me. I wish it were easier to get something to a good home during that whirlwind of purging that comes upon us. I use all my energy cleaning out the junk room and have nothing left for separating the things for Goodwill from the load for the dump. At that point I want the detritus gone. Now.
I see that desire to be rid of the unwanted in my clients, and in myself. We want to be different, better, changed. And we want it now. A new job, a new body, a new relationship, a new way of living. I want what I don't have, and what I have I don't want.
There is no shortage of experts to tell us how to change. As a coach I probably fall into that category. But I don't have a whizbang new approach-the Seven Steps to a whole new you. I believe you're pretty darned fabulous exactly as you are and that all meaningful transformation starts with acceptance.
Accept yourself. Recycled advice? Yes. When you're dissatisfied and stuck it can sound pretty useless. "Get me out of here!" You'd rather be any place else. But here and now is all there is. Loving and forgiving what is has got to be the first step.
Take a deep breath and bear with me for a moment here. You're changing a state of mind.
Here's how to do it:
1. Describe your current reality.