Changing It or Choosing It: If you’re not changing it, you’re choosing it—but if you are changing it, you’re losing it—to gain something better. Growth loves a good swap!
Changing It or Choosing It: The Swap That Growth Loves
You know that thing in your life that drives you nuts? The job that makes you count down the hours, the relationship that feels more like a hostage situation, or that pile of laundry you keep pretending isn’t there? Yeah, that one.
Here’s the deal: If you’re not changing it, you’re choosing it. Ouch. But if you are changing it, you’re losing something—to gain something better. Growth, my friend, thrives on a good swap. So, are you ready to trade up?
1. Stuck or Choosing to Stay?
Let’s start with a tough truth: Inaction is still a decision. Every time we avoid making a change, we are, in effect, choosing the status quo.
Take Jim, for example. Ever known someone like him? He hated his job. Every Sunday night, he’d grumble about Monday like it was a death sentence. But did he apply for a new job? Nope. He stayed put for years, choosing discomfort over the unknown.
We all do this. It’s easy to say, “I have no choice.” But unless someone’s actually holding us hostage (which, if so, blink twice), we do have a choice. It’s just that change requires effort, and sometimes, effort is exhausting.
2. Change Costs—But So Does Staying the Same
Okay, let’s say you muster the courage to change. Good for you! But guess what? That change is going to cost you something.
- Leave a toxic job? You’ll lose the security of a paycheck (briefly) but gain a career that doesn’t kill your soul.
- End a draining friendship? You might lose someone to vent to but gain emotional peace.
- Start working out? You’ll lose extra couch time but gain energy (and maybe even abs).
Growth is like upgrading your phone—you’ve got to let go of the old model to get the shiny new one.
3. The Swap: Trading Comfort for Something Better
Real change often feels like losing at first. But have you ever rearranged furniture and, for a second, thought, “Did I just ruin my entire house?” Then, once the dust settles, it looks and feels better than before.
That’s what change is like. Messy at first. Then, freeing.
Consider Sarah’s story. Sarah was in a relationship that had gone stale. She finally left, but the first few months were rough. Then, she found new hobbies, new friends, and, eventually, a partner who actually laughed at her jokes. She swapped comfort for something greater.
If you’re making a change and it feels like a loss, hold on. Growth is just making room for something better.
✍️Note to Self: Growth demands a swap. If you’re holding onto something that isn’t serving you, ask: What am I willing to lose to gain something better?
Your Move: What’s one thing you’ve been tolerating instead of changing? Drop a comment or share your “swap story.” Let’s talk about growth!
