Time marches on, and so does life. Change is inevitable, and some shifts are clear signs of a new chapter beginning. On one hand, we know that true success in any part of our lives comes from embracing change, soaking up new knowledge, and stepping outside our comfort zones. Change is the engine of success; without it, we’re stuck in a rut, even going backward. But there’s another side to the coin: the fear of the unknown, of making mistakes, of losing what we have. It’s the desire to stay put, even if things aren’t always great, because at least it’s stable. You can find more on this at vancouveranka.
Vancouver psychologist Matthew Beasley firmly believes that everyone can overcome challenges and grow, achieving their goals. In his clinical sessions, he helps those who feel stuck and unsure how to move forward. He guides them to uncover and strengthen their best qualities, identify their true talents, and clarify the values and goals that will help them navigate life more fully.
He also published an article on the Vancouver Psychology Centre blog, which can help anyone rethink their potential and perspective on life.
The Best Time for Change is Now
“I’ll start working out on Monday,” “I’ll quit this terrible job next month,” “I’ll stop smoking this weekend”—we make countless fictional agreements with ourselves. Months fly by, year after year, and life stays the same, yet the thought of that very change never leaves us. We rarely stay in a state of constant comfort.
It’s crucial to understand that most fears only exist in our heads. Fear limits us and keeps us from what we want. People often get themselves worked up, overthink things, and end up suffering because of it. So, if an idea for change is truly important, you need to take the necessary steps to make it happen **right here, right now**, to avoid falling into the trap of a life put on hold.
Don’t wait for motivation to strike either. According to Matthew Beasley, our brains are wired so that dopamine is released only after we do something productive. Then, that same dopamine encourages us to repeat the behaviour that brought us satisfaction.
For example, when it comes to exercise, motivation often kicks in after trying on workout clothes or while you’re on your way to the gym.
Don’t dwell on whether you’ll succeed or not, or overthink all the possible outcomes. Just **start moving towards your goal**, even with tiny steps. That’s how the fear of change in your life will fade away.
Don’t Stop Halfway
Once you’ve committed to change, setbacks might be the next hurdle. Often, when things don’t go as planned, people blame themselves, thinking they didn’t try hard enough or do enough. But in reality, **failures are normal**, and you should treat them as such.
Every setback gives you experience that will help you avoid repeating the same mistakes and become better. The interesting thing is that if you just try, when most people don’t even bother, you’ll gain far more than you expect.
Matthew Beasley uses a common example: a child learning to walk. They stumble and fall repeatedly. But children don’t give up, and because of that perseverance, we all learned to walk.
Initially, we all worry about the outcome—whether we’ll achieve our goals. But it’s worth letting go of that anxiety, because it doesn’t matter if you reach the goal; you can always change it at any moment. And changing a goal doesn’t mean defeat; it’s your life and your choice. Sometimes, in the rush to achieve a goal, we forget to enjoy the journey itself.
Plus, remember that you don’t have to change the world or your life all in one day. But the **most successful day to start making changes is today!**