The Essential Role of Self-Discipline in Overcoming Obstacles

Life is full of barriers. Sometimes, the impediments you encounter on your journey seem impossible to overcome. Usually, though, there is a solution to life's problems. Make the following considerations when you require discipline to overcome a hardship.

 

Take The First Step

 

Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher in the 6th century BCE. As with most philosophers during this early age of enlightened thinking, he had several views on living that still apply today. Here's a quote credited to him that can help you improve your discipline: "Beginning is half of every action."

 

It's only natural to stop dead when you have a big obstacle in front of you. It makes sense. You have to judge how this impediment to your progress can be overcome. The key is to avoid getting stuck in this assessment process.

 

Discipline means taking action. It's like courage in a lot of ways. You act even though you are uncertain about the outcome. When roadblocks appear without warning, take some time to formulate an action plan. Then act. The key to finishing is starting, so don't let life's obstacles keep you from progressing to a great outcome.

 

Become Your Hero

 

Do you have a favorite movie star? There may be a leader in finance, politics, or some other field that you look up to. You are their biggest fan. One way to develop rock-solid self-confidence is to model that person.

 

What would they do if they were going through the same situation you are encountering? How would they react? Certainly, they would succeed. That's one of the things you respect about them: their ability to reach new levels of achievement reliably. When it's tough to push on, be the person you admire in your mind. This can give you the discipline to keep going.

 

Answer This Simple Question

 

Life gets difficult at times. You've already encountered this natural law. You wouldn't be here now if you weren't a survivor, someone who has overcome difficulties in the past.

 

There have been times you had to practice incredible self-control. Even though you have succeeded in these situations, it might be tough to see yourself getting past some difficulty now. Answer this simple question when self-doubt threatens to keep you from creating the reality you deserve.

 

What am I willing to do to change my life?

 

Will you confidently take a step today to overcome an obstacle when you prefer to wait until tomorrow? Discipline is about choosing to do something you'd rather not do right now to improve your life. Answering that question fills you with the energy and confidence needed to push forward and gives you the first action you need to take to create change.

 

Remember that you can't control everything that happens in your life. The only thing you can control is your response. Choosing not to react when life gets hard will change your situation. Disciplining yourself to take action when obstacles appear is its own reward.

The Influence Of Positivity: Fostering Optimism In Challenging Times

Just when we are sailing smoothly through life, something unexpected comes along and throws us into a downward spiral. Terrible accidents, job loss, illness, the challenges of aging, or the loss of a loved one all can hit us hard personally. On a broader scope, the age in which we live has more violent crime, unemployment, social and political unrest, and economic hardships, draining our ability to cope. 

 

However, even in distressing circumstances, you can learn to approach life with optimism. Science has shown that people tend to bounce back when faced with significant life stressors.

 

The Difference Between Positivity and Optimism

Oxford Languages defines optimism as “Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.” In contrast, positivity is “The quality, character, or fact of being positive.”

 

In other words, optimism is anticipating positive outcomes in the future, whereas positivity is how we react to situations. An optimistic outlook helps us to foster positivity.

 

The Importance and Benefits of Optimism

Multiple studies were conducted to evaluate the links between optimism and psychological coping. The broaden-and-build theory (Fredrickson, 1998, 2001) found that optimistic feelings are helpful. "Experiences of positive emotions during times of stress prompt individuals to pursue novel and creative thoughts and actions.” 

 

Research by Johns Hopkins expert Lisa R. Yanek, M.P.H., and her colleagues found that people prone to heart disease who had an optimistic viewpoint were “13% less likely than their negative counterparts to have a heart attack or other coronary event.”

 

There are many other benefits to being optimistic, including:

 

• Reduced Risk of Depression: Studies show that positive people have better mental health, lowering the risk and severity of depression.

• Healthier Lifestyle: Optimistic people typically make healthy choices such as eating nutritious foods, exercising, and getting sufficient sleep.

• Longer Lifespan: Those who are optimistic tend to have good health and live longer than pessimistic people.

• Better Coping: Optimistic people handle stress better and recognize that hardships are only temporary.

 

How Do I Become More Optimistic?

Adjust Your Mindset

 

A mindset is how people perceive themselves and their beliefs, contributing to their attitudes and behavior. “By understanding, adapting and shifting your mindset, you can improve your health, decrease your stress and become more resilient to life’s challenges.” You can learn to shift your mindset by practicing positive self-talk and daily positive affirmations.

 

• Positive Self-Talk: Self-talk is the inner discussion or thoughts we all have; our thoughts can be positive or negative. As humans, when faced with hardships, we tend to blame ourselves. For example, if you were laid off from work, you might think, “What did I do wrong?” or “I really messed up.” Instead, replace the negative thoughts with optimistic ones, such as “I have the skills to find an exciting new career.”

• Daily Positive Affirmations: Improve your self-esteem and positivity by practicing daily affirmations, which are things we say to ourselves to acknowledge our self-worth, such as: "I choose to be happy today." or "I am optimistic."

 

Socialize with Positive People

 

When you interact with optimistic people, you tend to become more optimistic. You can learn from other people and have a great support system. You can meet people by taking a class, joining a group or club, attending church, or volunteering.

 

• Practice Acceptance: Experiencing negative and positive emotions is part of life. Accepting and valuing everything that happens is essential as it will improve your coping ability during difficult times. An optimistic person will look at challenging times as lessons learned for the future.

 

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

 

Strive to eat unprocessed, nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and fish. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to reduce stress, improve strength, and lift your mood. Choose a form of exercise you enjoy, such as walking or riding a bicycle.

 

Laughter is Good Medicine

 

Laughter increases your oxygen-rich air intake, stimulating organs such as the heart and lungs. It releases endorphins, a “feel-good” hormone. Indulge in fun activities that make you laugh, and always try to find the humor in things.

 

Conclusion

Optimism is important for our mental and physical health and well-being. Being positive can reduce the risk of depression, improve our coping abilities, and contribute to a longer lifespan. Optimism is essential for our personal growth. When we are optimistic, we approach life’s challenging times with positivity and confidence.

 

References

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3132556/

 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/lisa-yanek 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/11/cheerful-heart-attack-risk-happy-well-being_n_3575548.html 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2894461/ 

https://news.stanford.edu/report/2021/09/15/mindsets-clearing-lens-life/ 

https://hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/how-to-stay-optimistic-when-so-much-is-still-unclear 

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_prime_your_mind_for_optimism 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/self-talk 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456 

Letting Go Of Fear: Embracing Life With Courage

Fear is often an invisible force holding you back from rushing into life full force. 

 

It might be the reason you haven't experienced the fullness of life. 

 

It could be the reason you didn't chase an opportunity that could have radically changed your life. 

 

If you want to embrace life truly, then you have to confront your fears, let go, and embrace courage. 

 

Here, we explore how letting go of fear to embrace courage can transform your life. 

 

Identify & Acknowledge

 

Before you can let go of your fears, you have to identify what they are and acknowledge their presence in your life. 

 

Fear comes in many forms – it could be a fear of change or the unknown, a fear of failure, or a fear of rejection. When you recognize your fears, you start to remove their power. It also unveils the obstacles that have been hindering your growth. 

 

The key to getting to the root cause of your fears is self-awareness, and with that, you can take steps toward freedom. 

 

Embrace Vulnerability 

 

To be courageous you have to embrace vulnerability and understand that it's okay to be imperfect and you don't need all the answers. Sometimes, it's a fear of vulnerability that holds people back and it can be a major obstacle that prevents you from expressing yourself fully and truly. It can hold you back from pursuing your passions. Embrace vulnerability and enjoy the experience – you don't need to be in constant control of everything, you can hold a genuine connection with others, be authentic, and enjoy life more by opening yourself up. 

 

Shift Your Perspective 

 

Sometimes, fear is rooted in how you perceive a situation. When you shift your perspective, you can change the narrative that's sparking fear in your mind. Rather than viewing a challenge as an insurmountable obstacle, you can see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Changing the way you perceive a fear-based situation will allow you to take a curious approach and embrace a mindset of resilience and growth. 

 

A Growth Mindset

 

If you're looking for the antidote to fear, it's a growth mindset. 

 

You have to embrace the belief that your intelligence, skills, and abilities can be developed beyond where they are now and utilized to tackle any challenge life may present. It's a stark shift in mindset, but the change is one that will foster resilience and allow you to confront fear head-on, with a profound understanding that any failure is simply a stepping stone to success. 

 

It's The Little Steps

 

It's important to remember you don't need to take giant leaps to get to where you're going. You can take little steps and get to where you're going just the same. So, take little steps out of fear consistently as you embrace courage because it will change your life. 

 

Do yourself a favor by setting small milestones and building up your sense of accomplishment. Eventually, you will break down the fear that's holding you back and get more accustomed to winning regularly. 

 

Final Thoughts 

 

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life, don't let them fuel fear. Embrace every one of them as an opportunity to grow and learn. Don't dwell on failure, take the lesson and move forward.

 

If you want to embrace life fully, you need to be willing to confront your fears and let them go once and for all. Letting go of your fears gives you the freedom to embrace the courage you already have within you – it's the biggest step you can take when looking at ways to develop yourself and improve your life. Be vulnerable, develop your self-awareness, look at life from a new perspective, and nurture a growth mindset – it's all about taking little steps consistently to get to where you're going. 

 

Sailing Through Life: Letting Go And Trusting The Journey

Life can be difficult, and while a lot of people float through life, my wish for you is that you sail through it instead. There will be rough waters, of course, but you can batten down the hatches and navigate choppy water and the rest of the time, you can let go and trust the journey. 

 

So, before you hoist the sails to embark on your big adventure, let's talk about how important it is to embrace uncertainty and face the open sea. 

 

Learn Life's Lessons

 

One of the biggest lessons that sailing through life can teach you is found in the art of letting go. The first step in setting sail is releasing the anchor, you can't move forward without taking that step of letting go first. So, you too need to relinquish your fears and let go of attachments to start on your voyage. 

 

You have to loosen the grip on past traumas, release yourself from external expectations, and let go of the need for control. That is what is weighing you down, and it's holding you back from taking flight on the winds of change! 

 

It's important to understand that letting go isn't about abandoning your goals or ducking out on your responsibilities. Rather, it's about learning to let go of the burden that comes with your attempt to control the things you can't control. Holding onto those things is hindering your ability to grow and stunting your ability to adapt. 

 

Imagine, for a moment, a boat being navigated by a skilled captain. The captain will adjust the sails when the wind changes, which demonstrates their trust in their skills and the journey. 

 

You, too, can trust the process and make small tweaks as you move along, understanding that you can't control every aspect. To do that, however, you need to surrender to life's natural flow. That requires an understanding that while storms are inevitable, they are temporary. Whatever the storm, it is contributing to your spiritual and personal growth. 

 

The Beauty of Life 

 

The metaphor of life being a journey at sea goes far beyond navigating storms. The key is understanding that you can revel in the calm when the sea is serene. In the same way, you should relish life's joys when things are tranquil. 

 

You can recognize that change is inevitable, and you can understand that storms will likely arise, but you can embrace that change as a potential source of strength. When you learn to navigate every storm with resilience, you dig deep to take advantage of your inner capabilities. Every challenge delivers an opportunity to evolve. 

 

You have the skills you need to navigate the biggest obstacles in life, and that's good – but you need to let go of trying to control everything and learn how to sail through the easy bits to enjoy life to its fullest. 

 

Final Thoughts 

 

Sailing through life is simply a metaphor to highlight your need to let go and trust the journey. On larger ships, a crew mans the ship and they have to work together to get the job done. A bit like life, your support network and connections will help you thrive if you trust them. You don't need to be a solitary captain navigating your small boat on raging seas – we're all connected. 

 

As you navigate the seat of life, you will encounter turbulent waves, but there's also a lot of calm water. So, let go of toxic attachments, embrace change, trust the process, and steer your life toward growth and fulfillment. There is strength in letting go, not weakness. So, trust the journey and follow the natural ebbs and flows of life – your experience will be profound, but only if you let go, trust, and enjoy the journey. 

 

Breaking The Chains: The Power Of Releasing Your Past

As important as the past is for learning lessons and remembering successes, it's equally important that you don't let the past keep you chained there. 

 

Like the stereotypical high school jock who perpetually lives in the past because those were the best days of his life. Or the woman who can't build healthy relationships because never recovered from her college boyfriend's infidelity. 

 

The negative parts of our past have a way of clinging on, wrapping its tendrils around you and despite your attempts at remaining in the present, the chains of the past remain wrapped tight. You carry the weight of those chains into every experience, and whether it's negative or positive, it has a powerful impact on your present life. There can be great power in releasing your past and breaking those chains. 

 

Moving On

 

One of the greatest challenges people face is breaking free from the chains of their past. It could be a past mistake, a stinging heartbreak, or trauma from a difficult experience; all of your life experiences impact your emotional and mental well-being. 

 

Dwelling on the past, however, will only keep you anchored to a period of time that you should have left behind. That time no longer exists, yet it's rooting you there and preventing you from living in the here and now. 

 

The first step to breaking those chains is acknowledging your past and accepting it. It's an essential part of the process, you have to confront the unresolved emotions and pain that you've buried deep, which will require self-reflection and a whole lot of courage. By facing your past head-on, you remove the power it holds over your present moment and the future. 

 

Forgiveness is another step necessary to break those chains. Whether it's forgiving yourself or someone else, a lot of people hold onto grudges over things that happened. It's important to remember that forgiveness doesn't mean that you forget what happened. 

 

If someone hurt you or wronged you, forgiving them isn't forgetting the harm they caused you. It doesn't mean making up and being friends either. It's a conscious decision to let go of the painful emotions that have lingered since the experience. Forgiveness isn't for them, it's for you. 

 

The Power 

 

Perhaps one of the most vital aspects of breaking free from the past's chains is self-compassion. 

 

Self-compassion simply means that you treat yourself with the same understanding and kindness you extend to your closest friends. You treat them with care, and you offer them a gentle response, but you are your own worst enemy – your harshest critic. You hold yourself to an impossible standard and when you slip up, you give yourself merry hell. Self-compassion provides a nurturing environment to foster healing and growth. 

 

Mindfulness is another powerful tool for breaking the chains of your past. 

 

Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present moment, observing your thoughts without judgment, and acknowledging your feelings without opinion. Mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, and body scanning help you develop the ability to let go of the past, dismiss intrusive thoughts, and focus on the beauty of the moment. 

 

An essential part of personal development as a whole, and particularly breaking chains, is setting boundaries. Boundaries protect you from negative behaviors, and repeating patterns, and help you use your time and energy more wisely. Boundaries help you create space for change and growth. 

 

Final Thoughts 

 

While the process of breaking the chains of your past can be difficult, it is possible. Above, you have a step-by-step process to do just that. It will take some time, but if you're committed to the process, you will need a combination of self-awareness and forgiveness, self-compassion, and mindfulness, as well as boundary-setting. 

 

Work on establishing a forward-focused mindset because this journey will require resilience and dedication. In return, you will benefit on a profound level. Your life will be free from the burdens of the past and filled with an endless number of possibilities. As you let go of the past, you open yourself to growth, healing, and the recognition of your potential. 

 

Your Improvement, Your Journey: Personal Growth Tactics

Written By: Ian Garza

Embarking on a journey of self-improvement requires dedication, knowledge, and a willingness to embrace change. This guide is tailored to inspire and equip you with effective strategies to enhance your well-being. Embrace these principles to unlock a healthier, more fulfilled you.

Embrace Movement Whenever You Can

Physical activity is a celebration of your body's capabilities. Beyond physical benefits, exercise is a powerful tool for mental clarity and emotional stability. Whether it's a morning run or a dance class, find joy in movement and let it become a sanctuary for your well-being. Regular exercise boosts endorphin levels, elevating your mood and combating stress. It also helps in building resilience, improving sleep quality, and fostering a sense of accomplishment.

 

Hydration: The Essence of Vitality

 

Water, the source of life, is often overlooked in its importance. Consistent hydration is the cornerstone of health, facilitating critical processes within your body. Strive to consume at least two liters daily. This simple yet profound act can revolutionize your physical and mental performance. Adequate water intake aids in detoxifying the body and enhances cognitive functions. It also plays a vital role in maintaining skin health and preventing dehydration.

 

Navigating the Path to Sobriety

 

If sobriety is your goal, know that seeking help is a sign of strength. In times of struggle, do not hesitate to seek help locating available treatment. Rehab can offer the guidance and support needed to reclaim control over your life. Recovery is a journey that requires patience and perseverance, and rehab provides the tools and support necessary for this path. It's a safe space to understand and overcome the challenges of addiction, offering a new perspective on life.

 

The Miraculous Benefits of Vitamin C

 

Vitamin C is a powerhouse for health and beauty. Its ability to increase skin elasticity by a staggering 61.4% surpasses even the most acclaimed cosmetic creams. In this era of health uncertainties, like the pneumonia virus outbreak, the immune-boosting properties of Vitamin C are indispensable. It also aids in wound healing and acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body against free radicals. Regular intake of Vitamin C can lead to improved heart health and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

 

Yoga: Harmony of Body and Spirit

 

Yoga is not just exercise; it's a bridge to inner peace. This ancient practice weaves together physical postures and mindful awareness, promoting a unique equilibrium of body and mind. Embrace yoga as a tool for flexibility, strength, and serenity. Practicing yoga regularly can lead to improved posture and reduced back pain. It also encourages deep breathing and mental focus, which are essential for stress management.

 

The Art of Meditation: A Refuge for the Mind

 

In the chaos of everyday life, meditation offers a haven of tranquility. This practice of mindfulness and concentration can transform your mental landscape, reducing stress and fostering a profound sense of inner calm. Meditation improves self-awareness and emotional well-being, allowing for better handling of life's challenges. It can also enhance creativity and problem-solving skills, making it a valuable tool for personal and professional growth.

 

Nutritional Wisdom: Eating for Life

 

The food you consume is the fuel that drives you. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is not just about maintaining health; it's about enriching your life. Nourish your body and soul with choices that reflect a commitment to your well-being. Eating healthily can lead to a more balanced mood and sustained energy levels throughout the day. It also supports immune function, reducing the risk of illnesses and promoting longevity.

 

Your journey to self-improvement is a testament to your strength and determination. By adopting these practices, you are not only transforming your life but also setting a foundation for lasting health and happiness. Embrace this journey with an open heart and mind, and witness the remarkable changes that follow.

 

Gain insights and inspiration from Dr. Tan Kwan Hong – start exploring today!

 

Image by Freepik

Embracing Change: Letting Go To Welcome The New

We all have something we want to let go of, whether it be a harmful habit, physical item, or toxic viewpoint that keeps us tethered to where we are. However, despite wanting to let go, the reality is that embracing change can be hard to do. 

 

Oftentimes, the struggle to let go and embrace change has to do with not having control over the future - and that can be a really powerful fear. But the reality is that while we can make choices based on the best information we have at the time, life is always going to be in a state of flux. 

 

Whether the change is good or sad, practicing the art of letting go can help you to become more flexible and adaptable. It can also help us move forward if we’re still living in the past. Here’s some helpful information that can do just that. 

 

Why Do We Struggle With Change? 

 

Before we dive into all the ways you can start letting go, let’s first analyze why we’re so resistant to change in the first place. 

 

According to Katherine Cullen MFA, LCSW, in her article titled Why Is Change So Hard? published in Psychology Today, “We often find ourselves resisting change, perhaps because of the perceived risk or fear associated with it.” 

 

In her article, she refers to examples such as a chain smoker looking to quit the habit. First, is the acknowledgment of the act. in this case, the smoker realizes that they’re going through a lot of cigarettes per day. While this isn’t enough to prompt immediate action, it gets the gears turning. 

 

The next phase is contemplation, which is when the individual considers the pros and cons of letting go. In the case of a chain smoker, this could be comparing the benefits of quitting such as renewed lung tissue and lowering the risk of developing lung cancer, as well as the cons such as not knowing another way to relieve stress and being fearful of not having any other method of self-soothing. 

 

After weighing the pros and cons, most people will then make a detailed plan - i.e. choose a day to quit smoking and buy a yoga mat for stress relief or hard candy to suck on when they have a craving. Then, they go through with it. Getting to this point of action is hard, but maintaining the lifestyle is even harder because everything is outside of the person’s comfort zone. 

 

For a chain smoker, a watermelon-flavored hard candy is hardly going to be an adequate substitute for something they enjoy. And since lifestyle changes aren’t a linear process, any setbacks could lead to self-judgment and frustration, making embracing the new change all the more difficult. 

 

This cycle is why we’re so resistant to change. We’re often fearful of what lies on the other side of change. Though change isn’t always bad, it’s the what-ifs that we focus on. While the chain smoker giving up cigarettes is just one example, another might be an adult child having difficulty discarding their deceased mother’s clothing. 

 

While they may not necessarily need them, they’re scared of getting rid of them for the risk that they will one day change their mind, or that they will somehow be disappointing their loved ones. Fears like this lead to prolonged (and unnecessary) suffering. 

 

Parents with grown children may also suffer through the struggle to let go of their child’s bedroom or childhood effects, which can make it hard to embrace their child’s adulthood and the new dynamic shared between them. 

 

At the end of the day, the fear of letting go and embracing change often comes down to not knowing what to expect and the risk of having regrets about the decision to change later on, especially if it doesn’t pan out the way we want. 

 

Tips for Letting Go and Embracing Change

 

Letting go can be hard as is, let alone when we’re also forced to embrace the unwanted change that comes with it. 

 

As in the example above, letting go of a loved one’s clothes or personal items has nothing to do with the love of the tangible items, but rather the fear that they’re going to forget their loved ones if they don’t have a physical memory attached to them. 

 

Regardless of what you’re struggling to let go of, here are some tips that can help you welcome change, even if it’s going to be a little difficult. 

 

Declutter

 

Like the example mentioned earlier, holding onto items for the fear that you’ll regret getting rid of them isn’t a good enough reason to keep them around. Clutter can lead to stress, anxiety, and in many cases, depression. 

 

Holding onto items that no longer serve you, even if they’re simply no longer your style, can keep you in the past and chain you there. If you’re interested in letting go, start small. Grab a trash bag and find 10 items you can throw away, like receipts, chipped mugs, or socks that have holes in them. With enough practice, you can work your way up from items that are damaged to those that have a mental chokehold on you. 

 

This is especially true if you’re holding onto clutter for sentimental reasons. While it’s okay to keep a few things, dedicating your home to people or lifestyles from the past can keep you tethered to a painful time in your life. Learning to let go can help you accept what happened and embrace your new life moving forward. 

 

Don’t Dismiss Your Fears

 

One way you can embrace change is by acknowledging that you don’t want to let certain things go, whether it’s a tangible item or not. 

 

The more you try to dismiss your feelings, and by proxy, your fears, the more likely they are to stay with you and affect your decisions. If you want to truly embrace change, then acknowledge that getting rid of your mother’s items, or your child’s baby clothes (for example) is hard. 

 

Then, go ahead and acknowledge your fears about getting rid of them. For example, getting rid of baby clothes could signify that the time of your life is over, and you’re scared of what comes next. 

 

Oftentimes, the difficulty of letting go is because we’re fearful of feeling sad, being alone, moving on, or feeling vulnerable. However, these are feelings shared among society. When you bring these fears to the surface, they not only no longer seem so scary, but you can now identify solutions. 

 

With the right support system, you can embrace your fears and still let go, knowing that it’s going to suck…and that’s okay. 

 

Listen to Your Inner Voice

 

At the end of the day, you’ll know when it’s time to get rid of something, or someone, or move on. These feelings are usually subtle; one day you just don’t feel the same way about it anymore. However, when you have that inkling, take notice. 

 

Your inner voice doubles as your voice of reason. Though you may be quick to ignore it or do the opposite, trust that when that little voice pops up telling you it’s time to let go, it’s because deep down, it’s what you know is best for you. 

 

Letting go and embracing change is all about the fear of not knowing what lies around the corner. You can make this change easier by trusting your gut and realizing that yes, change can be scary, but so can staying miserable where you are.