Midlife Metamorphosis: The Process of Personal Transformation, Part One- A T.E.A.M. Effort
True Transformation is possible and simple, but not always easy
So far in this series, we have studied the three basic Principles of Personal Transformation:
It’s Possible, Simple, and Quick.
Today, we’ll begin looking at the Process for achieving lasting Personal Transformation.
Here is a simple equation to break it down into the most basic components:
T=E+A+M
[T]ransformation = [E]ducation + [A]ction + [M]otivation
That's it. Nothing hard, nothing magical, nothing too philosophical to understand. Just a simple formula - Learn, act upon what you learn, and stay motivated to continue the process.
Anyone can do this.
Remember, the overarching theme for Personal Transformation is found in Romans 12:2:
“Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind …”
True Transformation
Personal Transformation is a systematic, deliberate process.
It is not enough that we believe it is possible. It is something for which we must prepare ourselves. It is something for which we must consciously and constantly take action. And, without constant refueling, we will lapse into complacency and conformity.
While personal transformation is possible and simple, it's not always easy.
It will take time and deliberate effort. For most of us, it will start with retraining our minds and regularly stepping out of our comfort zones. It will require the development of personal discipline which may take considerable effort to establish, depending on what habits must changed or overcome.
A caterpillar does not become a butterfly overnight. But it does follow a simple, natural, predictable process. If the process is not carried through until the end, the butterfly will be deformed and will end up dying without ever performing its God-given purpose in life.
The same applies to us. We must understand this so that impatience does not trainwreck the process and create a distorted and deformed result in our personal lives.
On the other hand, it does not need to be a long drawn-out process. Once we have learned what we need to do and have taken steps to implement those changes, it is possible to have extraordinary results in a very short period.
This is why motivation is such a key part of the process. The right motivation will help us to stay focused. Motivation will enable us to keep going when we face trials and difficulties along the way. It will give us strength when we encounter those who do not share or understand our dreams and try to derail us from accomplishing them.
Motivation primarily comes in two forms -
Reach Forward
This is the most important form of motivation.
We must have a goal so strongly fixed in our minds that nothing will derail it. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians put it this way -
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. - 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
God's glory, utilizing the Passion, Potential, and Personality (3P’s) He has given each of us, must be our focus and goal in fulfilling our calling in life.
Everything we think, everything we say, and everything we do must be subservient to that one goal. Otherwise, it will be all for nothing in the end.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. -1 Corinthians 10:31.
Call Back
The second form of motivation is also very important for helping us “stay the course” - the Call Back, in which we look to others who have gone before us.
Everyone, from Joseph to David, Daniel, Elijah, Paul, and on down through the ages, is “calling back”, encouraging us to keep going.
As we discover and study their circumstances, trials, and achievements, they are saying, “I am a man just like you. Come on, take my hand – I did it, so can you.”
This will be discussed in more detail in the section on Motivation.
As we move forward, following the Transformation = Education + Action + Motivation formula will help us develop a plan to achieve our personal transformation goals and fulfill our calling in life.
Next week, we’ll look more in-depth at the various aspects of Education.
Thanks for reading and have a great day.
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