Change is Hard. So is staying the same. Choose your Hard.

We’ve all heard the line: “People hate change.”

But is that really true?

Most people don’t hate change, they hate change without purpose. They resist change that feels random, imposed, or disconnected from their values and goals. But meaningful change? The kind that gets us closer to the life or leader we want to be? We want that. Even if it scares us.

The real question is:
What are we willing to change? And what are we not?

Those two lists can be incredibly revealing. They’ll tell us everything about what we believe, what we’re protecting, and where we might be holding ourselves back.

Comfort Zones and the Fear of the Unknown

Change is hard. Of course it is.

It shakes up our routines. It stirs uncertainty. It challenges the identity we’ve built  (even if that identity is no longer serving us).

I’ve been there.

One of the most significant changes in my life was the decision to quit drinking. It was a part of my routine, my culture, my social life and a big part of how I coped with stress or celebrated success. But I started asking myself questions: Is it still serving my best life? Can I have fun without it? What will people think? Will this be awkward forever?

It wasn’t one massive overnight overhaul. It was small, intentional steps. Replacing the drink in my hand with something else. Showing up differently in familiar spaces. Making a decision: I’m someone who doesn’t drink.

The shift was internal before it became external. And I realized something powerful:

Every big change starts with one micro-step toward your better self.

Nothing Has to Be Forever

One of the most liberating truths I’ve learned?

Nothing has to be forever.

We can try something new without locking ourselves into it for life. The more comfortable we become with change, the more adventurous and open we become as leaders, parents, teammates, and people.

But here's the key: There has to be a why behind the change. I’m not interested in change for the sake of change. I want progress. I want movement in the direction of my North Star,  the person I’m becoming.

That’s the filter.

If the change helps me live more in line with who I want to be, it’s worth it - no matter how uncomfortable it feels in the beginning.

Your Turn

So, what are you willing to change?

What are you not willing to change?

Make the list. Sit with it. Be honest.

Then ask yourself:
Are the things I’m unwilling to change keeping me from my best life?

Because change isn’t the enemy. Coasting is. Stagnation is. Living the same year over and over again and calling it a life -  that’s the real danger.

So don’t wait for perfect.
Don’t wait until it’s comfortable.
Just take the next step.

Our future is waiting.