When Change is Good

Change is one of life’s inevitabilities, yet it’s something we often resist with all our might. As humans, we’re creatures of habit, sticking to what’s comfortable, even if it isn’t working. It’s easy to convince ourselves that staying the course will eventually pay off. But what if the very thing holding us back is… us?

Let’s face it: we can be stubborn. We cling to our routines, our beliefs, our ways of doing things, even when they’re clearly not serving us. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but sometimes the common denominator in our struggles is staring right back at us in the mirror. And that’s a tough realization. It’s far easier to blame external circumstances, other people, or even bad luck than to admit that we might need to change ourselves.

Yet, when we muster the courage to face that truth, the possibilities for growth become limitless. Often, the changes we make—however small—can completely alter our trajectory. It’s not that everything we’ve done before is inherently wrong; it’s that those approaches aren’t leading us where we want or need to go.

But not all change is good. Take Coca-Cola, for instance. Changing the formula back in the ‘80s was a colossal mistake—so much so that it sparked nationwide outrage. Sometimes, what we’re doing isn’t broken, and change for the sake of change can lead us astray. But more often than not, it’s the opposite: we resist change, even when we know deep down it’s what we need.

Sometimes, what didn’t work before might work now. Timing plays a role, as does perspective. Maybe we weren’t ready for a certain path in the past, but now, with the benefit of experience or a shift in mindset, it’s exactly what we need. A new approach, a fresh environment, or even a change in how we think about ourselves can be the spark that ignites forward momentum.

And let’s not forget the importance of community. Surrounding ourselves with the right people can be a cornerstone of healing and growth. But even the strongest community can’t fix the internal battles we’re waging. Sometimes, stepping away—getting out of our usual environment—can make all the difference. It gives us space to think clearly, to reassess, to see our lives from a new vantage point.

The truth is, we are often our own greatest obstacle. We get in our own way with self-doubt, fear of failure, or an unwillingness to let go of what’s familiar. But the same self that holds us back is also the one with the power to propel us forward. It starts with acknowledging where we’ve been wrong, where we’ve clung too tightly to our comfort zones, and where we’ve been too afraid to take the leap.

Change isn’t easy. Growth rarely is. But it’s often in those moments of discomfort, when we choose to confront our own flaws and make the necessary shifts, that we find the breakthroughs we’ve been searching for. On the other side of that discomfort is something greater—a version of ourselves that’s more aligned, more resilient, and more capable of moving forward.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, take a step back. Look inward. The thing holding you back might just be you—but the power to change that lies within you, too. Just make sure the changes you make are thoughtful and intentional. After all, no one wants another New Coke debacle. See you out there.