What Prevents Us From Changing for the Better
These are my notes to a lecture I gave in Putrajaya, Malaysia on April 25th, 2015.
1- There is lack in sense of urgency. If you do not have a strong enough reason to change you will not change.
2- Unclear Vision: You have not clearly defined what that change is and what needs to take place to make it happen. The clearer the vision the easier the change. Focus on S.M.A.R.T goals.
3- Those around you. The people you surround yourself with need to be those who are supportive, like minded, and those that have a similar vision to you. When you are not selective of those you surround yourself with you will only bring yourself down. Never allow your critics to become your C.E.Os.
4- Change will only take place by taking action. What prevents us from taking action? Things that are discussed in this dua:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Fear of Allah enables. Fear of others paralyzes.You will never lose fear. Learn to master it and control it. As Mr. Miyagi said: Okay to lose to opponent, must not lose to fear!
5- Short term wins: You need to take baby steps and celebrate those steps. Drastic change is next to impossible. Realize that change takes time.
6- The motivation you need to keep going: I gave a separate lecture on this topic that evening. The notes for it can be found here: http://goo.gl/XD7D36
7- Making change stick. Don’t go on a diet rather change your life style
8- Sins. Fear your sins more than you fear your enemy.
9- Dua’: Surah 20: 24-46. Your most important tool.
“I have created you for myself” (20:41)Resources: Heart of change by Kotter. An Agenda Towards Changing our Condition by Hamza Yusuf