Why is it so hard to be honest with ourselves at times? Why does it seem like there is a constant battle within ourselves when we want to make a change? In my opinion the most trying thing for us in this life is self mastery. Simply put self mastery is self-control. In order to reach our full potential as human beings we must be able to delay gratification and work towards our potential. At some point in everyone’s life potential becomes a bad thing. It is up to us to turn our potential into something concrete. This may mean that we have to give up something we love. For example if you want abs then you will probably have to give up junk food and commit to exercise.

Our society seems to stress that in order to change we must alter our environment. Simply put, ” you must remove the person from the slums if you want them to change.” But truthfully the best way to initiate change is to remove the slum out of the person. If we can alter the way we think about something then we can start to see a change within ourselves. I am a firm believer that we don’t do anything prior to thinking about it.

How do we make these changes?

1. Write down the change you want to make and place it in a spot you will see it daily.

2. Remove all things that can hinder you in making the change. Back to the giving up junk food example, don’t buy those items and do not stock them in your house.

3. Patience will be your best friend. You must be willing to be patient with yourself as you are making changes. There will undoubtedly be a moment where you will want to throw in the towel but in those times you must remind yourself why you are trying to make the change.

4. The most successful people are usually the ones who keep trying. You will most likely not complete your change in your first attempt but that doesn’t mean you have failed. You only fail if you quit trying. So get back on the horse!

5. If all else fails then maybe it is best that you team up. It can be much easier to change if you have someone else to hold you accountable.

Personally there are a couple of things I am trying to change internally that will allow myself to be happier. There have been moments where I am happy with my progress and then others where I am disappointed in my effort, but I have made a commitment to myself to keep trying. That’s all we can do.

The most difficult changes sometimes involves those times that we must remove ourselves from someone we love. Think about what it takes to get over an old flame. I mean one day they are your best friend and then the next they are gone. I know that can seem melodramatic but I can attest that trying to be friends after a relationship can only prolong the heartache unfortunately. It is quite possible that I am writing this very moment in order to keep myself from contacting that someone. I must keep my resolve. Day 32….