From Desire to Action: Strategies for Change

Do you want to make a change in your life? Do you feel stuck in a cycle of wanting without acting? You’re not alone. I have been there too, and so have many of my clients. We all find ourselves in this space at some point. The wish for change is strong, but something holds us back.

I long for change, yet my heart stays closed,
I yearn for growth, but I’m not exposed.
I crave a shift, yet I hold no grace,
Just stuck in wanting, still, in place.

In this post, I’ll share some personal reflections and coaching strategies. They will help you move from wanting to doing. This way, you can start embracing the change you’ve been yearning for.

My Personal Experience with Wanting Change

Several years ago, I found myself in a job that was making me feel frustrated. Every day, I thought about wanting a more fulfilling career. I’d say, “I want to change,” but I wasn’t taking meaningful steps to do anything about it. Why? I was terrified of uncertainty. I was scared of failing. I was unwilling to see the strengths I already had to make a transition. It took a lot of internal work, and I’ll share what helped me—and what can help you, too.

Why We Get Stuck Wanting Change

Change is often desired, but we remain stuck due to three main barriers. These include a lack of openness, a lack of receptivity, and a lack of appreciation. These are rooted in our fear and our mind’s preference for the familiar.

  1. Openness: Our comfort zones keep us closed to new possibilities. Opening up requires a willingness to be vulnerable and try something different.
  2. Receptivity: We need to be open to receiving new ideas, feedback, or opportunities. However, fear of the unknown often holds us back.
  3. Appreciation: If we’re always focused on what we lack, we miss seeing the progress we’ve already made. Gratitude helps anchor us in a positive mindset, making change feel more achievable.

Ways to Move from Wanting to Doing

1. Cultivate Openness
Practical Exercise:

  • Self-Inquiry Journal Prompt: Take a couple of minutes to write about what scares you most about making a change. Is it the fear of failure or losing what’s familiar? By confronting your fears on paper, you begin to lessen their hold over you.
  • Mindful Meditation: Dedicate 3-5 minutes daily to focusing on your breath. Say to yourself, “I am open to new possibilities.” This practice can gradually break down the walls you’ve built around yourself.

When I first started practicing meditation, it felt pointless. I couldn’t concentrate. But I persevered. Over time, I noticed subtle shifts. I felt calmer, less reactive, and more willing to embrace new experiences. The journey began with just five quiet minutes a day.

2. Develop Receptivity
Practical Tips:

  • Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you’re grateful for every morning or evening. It’s good to choose a time that’s more suitable for you. This simple habit rewires your brain to see the good in your life. It can make you more open to welcoming new opportunities.
  • Embrace Uncertainty: Commit to trying one new thing a week. It could be taking a different route home, signing up for a class, or trying a hobby. Experiencing small uncertainties can build your confidence for larger changes.

Did you know that our brains are wired to prefer familiar patterns? Neuroplasticity, however, allows our brains to adapt when we introduce new habits. By practicing openness and receptivity regularly, we’re literally training our brains to embrace change.

3. Focus on Appreciation
Practical Exercise:

  • Track Your Progress: Keep a “Small Wins Journal” and jot down every tiny step you take. Did you speak up in a meeting? Celebrate it! Did you choose a healthier meal? Note it! Recognizing these moments fuels your motivation to continue.
  • Visualization Exercise: Close your eyes and imagine yourself having successfully made the change you desire. How does it feel? What does it look like? Engaging your senses in this way helps you appreciate the journey and stay aligned with your goals.

One of my clients struggled with feeling stuck in her personal life. We worked together to build a gratitude practice. Within a month, she reported feeling more hopeful. She felt more excited about the future. Small changes truly add up!

Quotes to Inspire You

“Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” — Mandy Hale
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” — Melody Beattie

Reflect on these words and consider how they might apply to your journey. Sometimes, all we need is a small shift in perspective.

From Wanting to Embracing: Your Call to Action

What change have you been yearning for? Choose just one tip from this blog to try today. Maybe you’ll begin with a gratitude practice or dedicate time to visualize your ideal future. Comment below and share your thoughts or your plan to take action. I’d love to hear from you!

If you’re ready for deeper support, consider booking a coaching session. Together, we can navigate your fears, celebrate your progress, and set you on a path to genuine transformation.

Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, stay open, and remember to appreciate every step you take on this journey. You’ve got this!

Yours in helping you on your journey,
Amisha


Discover more from My Inner Self Healing

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a comment