Are You Making the Best Changes?

Whether you like it or not, life is full of changes. It’s a part of the human experience. But are you making the very best changes? Given that the changes we make define us, it’s certainly worth considering. Unsurprisingly, change isn’t random. Everything happens for a reason, and when you break it down, the changes we make stem from our desire to be better (though it may not always seem that way). So how do you determine your best path forward, to be the best you?

Changes in Sync

We all make changes, every single day. From changing the channel to changing our routines. And it may not seem so obvious, but these everyday decisions do make a difference. Here are a few examples shared by our team:

• “I switched from cow to cashew milk and from meat-based to meat-adjacent meals. I feel so much better.”
• “We are trying to do our part for planet Earth, so we use a Brita instead of plastic water bottles.”
• I keep changing how I sleep, from where I put my head to what side of the bed I’m on. All in an effort to fall asleep faster.”
• “I switched from exercising in the morning to early evenings. It’s done wonders for my body.”
• “I switched from Sublime to VSCode. I’m coding so much faster.”

Categories of change

Why does change occur in the first place? From spur-of-the-moment changes to seasons of change, our motivation for betterment can be broken down into five categories that classify why we experience so much change in our lives. In fact, you’ve probably experienced most of them already.

Change when needs are not met

When our needs and desires are not being met, life changes are in order. The hierarchy of needs is a powerful force to be reckoned with, but ultimately, it’s all about changes for the better. Better for your basic needs, psychological needs, and overall fulfillment in life. At a basic level, we’ve all made changes to save a buck, to eat healthier, or to stay safe. Changing lanes might just save your life! We change emotionally too. Feelings of accomplishment typically result from significant life changes. We all want to reach our full potential, and it only happens with change.

Change to adapt to things you have no control over

Life comes at us fast, so we must adapt. Break a leg? You’re in for a world of change, just to get back on your feet. Unplanned events force us to act, and sometimes in ways we’d never imagine. Just think of all the changes you’ve had to make during the pandemic. Some temporary and others perhaps permanent. Either way, dealing with things as they come is the only option. And with it, more change.

Change because you have new perspectives

You’re not the you that you were in high school. Your mindset and opinions have surely changed. You’re older and wiser! From musical tastes to what you might consider fashionable, life experience brings on change. Listening to different viewpoints inspires change. Hindsight is 2020. And one thing to remember, it’s never too late to change your mind!

Change to try something new

We are creatures of habit. Predictability helps us feel organized and in control. But what happens when you get stuck in a rut? The best advice: try something new. It certainly worked for George Costanza on Seinfeld:

Waitress: Tuna on toast, coleslaw, cup of coffee?
George: Yeah. No, no, no, wait a minute. I always have tuna on toast. Nothing’s ever worked out for me with tuna on toast. I want the complete opposite of tuna on toast. Chicken salad, on rye, untoasted, with a side of potato salad, and a cup of tea!

And with that spur-of-the-moment decision, George’s life completely changed for the better! In the real world, trying something new can bring about exciting life changes you never thought possible. Booking a last-minute vacation, standing instead of sitting, or choosing the red pill just might be some of the next best things for you. You’ll never know unless you try.

Change because that’s life, baby!

Milestones and life events that are totally doable force change. So be prepared. Living on your own for the first time is certainly a big change. Changing your schedule to accommodate a friend’s wedding is doable. Changing your schedule to accommodate your own wedding? That’s doable too! We all know what happens as we get older. Life keeps changing and we need to change along with it. It’s for the best.

Changes add up. What might seem inconsequential in isolation, can be literally life-changing in the grand scheme of things. Changes fall into multiple categories too. Like changing your name. All in all, though, no matter what the motivation, understanding why can help you make the most of it. Especially if you’re not so sure if it’s time to make a change at all…

If it ain’t broke…

Change is not always easy. In fact, sometimes our brains stop us from embracing change! We’re hard-wired for routine, and habits are hard to break. So how do you change your mind, when your mind doesn’t want to change? A regimen of exercise, sleeping, meditating, caffeine, reading, listening to music, walking in nature, and not eating too much sugar can help. But simply believing is all you really need to do to enact change. Believing that a change will make things better will in fact help you commit.

Be your best you

Ultimately, the best changes in life lead to the best version of you. If the changes you are pondering or are about to make might do you some good, then it’s worth a shot! And remember, even small seemingly inconsequential changes can add up to something big. So, tomorrow morning, instead of your usual double-double, try something new! A triple chocolaty chip crème frappuccino with whipped cream, five pumps of toffee nut syrup, oat milk, and a drizzle of caramel on top. That extra-sugary caffeine kick just might be the change you need!