Build a Better Version of You That You Can Be Proud Of

Transformation is the Motivation



Everyone has one thing in common: a desire to change something (or maybe, many things) about their current reality. It’s normal to want better. More. The same can be said for people who join a gym, enlist the services of a life coach, start their own business, buy a self-help book, make a New Year’s resolution, go on a diet or plead for ‘one more chance’.



Yep, for most of us, transformation is the motivation. The objective. The intention.



On some level, we all want to become a better, new-and-improved version of us but the relevant question here is: how many of us actually do it and keep it? That is, change and – more importantly – maintain those changes over the long term? Of course, the answer is: not many.



Take a look around. Or, maybe, within?



New Year’s resolution anyone?



Educated and Stupid



I’m of the opinion that, for the most part, we are a collective of intelligent, talented people who essentially know what to do but, far too often, don’t do what we know. Not consistently, anyway. We eat food we don’t need – while apparently wanting a leaner, sexier body. We spend money we don’t have – on things we don’t need. And then we complain about our financial situation. And we treat our bodies like crap for decades and then (amazingly) wonder why they break down.



And then, after all our stupid decisions and self-destructive behaviours, we wake up one day in the middle of our less-than-desirable existence and ask: "How did this happen to me?"



Really? Do you really want that answer?



A Mouse-Click Away



For better or worse, we live in the information age. If we want to know anything about virtually anything, it’s only a mouse-click away. You and I are part of the most informed and educated generation ever to roam the face of the earth. Not that we do a lot of roaming these days.



Information, resources and answers are all in overwhelming supply. Yes, we are very educated (theoretically) but not always smart (practically).



Good at the knowing, not-so-good at the doing.



I’ve spent decades watching clever, talented, educated people do stupid things. Things which are at odds with their (alleged) core values, goals and intentions. Destroying everything from their fitness and health to their career and marriage.



On the flip side, I’ve also been fortunate enough to work with some amazing people who have constantly found a way to succeed. To maximise what they have and to consistently rise to the challenges of their situation. To ask better questions. To be resilient. To do what most won’t. To explore their potential, despite their fear. And, most importantly, to keep doing when most people are throwing in the towel. Again.



More Information?



A long time ago, I came to the realisation that ‘the answer’ (to the majority of our problems) is not more information. An ironic statement coming from someone who shares ideas and information for a living. If information (by itself) was some kind of universal cure to mankind’s numerous issues, then we would be rapidly moving towards a zero-problem society. Clearly, that ain’t the case. Without intelligent, appropriate and consistent application, knowledge is a worthless asset.



You might wanna read that last sentence a few times. Along the way, I learned this important lesson:



"Wanting something and being committed to something are totally different things."



We all want.



Desire vs Commitment



One day, it dawned on me that when someone is totally committed to changing their reality, they’ll find a way to get the job done. Things like talent or lack thereof, motivational peaks and troughs, good and bad days, pain and discomfort, support or criticism won’t determine their behaviour, their results or their reality. Of course, they experience all the normal human stuff but, despite their humanity, it’s their non-negotiable commitment to the change process that gives them the leverage, strength and resourcefulness to re-invent themselves.



Conversely, people who are not committed to change invariably find a convenient way to give themselves an out. The escape-clause is their best friend. They spend their lives rationalising and justifying what they’re not doing in a very logical-sounding manner. And ten years down the track they’re still living in the same place. Or worse.



So, if I was your coach today, I might say something like this:



"Don’t tell me what you’d like, what you want or what you’re hoping for. No, tell me what you’re committed to doing, creating, achieving and being."







Craig Harper is one of Australia's leading self help authors.

Self Help Books - Craig Harper