Change Takes Action, To Take Action Means Change

I posted this last night to my personal Facebook page. There's a reason. Let me explain!

I'm in the midst of writing my first book. It's my life stories. The steps I've taken in each of the narratives to heal from all of my traumas. Some are big. Some are small. But at the end of the day, you have to take the time to heal yourself. You also have to be the one responsible for the healing to happen...which takes action. Which takes change.

In order to change, you need to take action. In order to take action, means you need to change.

Without either of those you are taking the easy road out. You are holding onto whatever your hurt or traumas are. I PROMISE you, they will show up as unresolved trauma in your relationships. Whether it's business, work, children, family, your spouse/partner, your friendships....it'll show up.

Change is often perceived as a distant, elusive goal. We talk about it, we wish for it, and we dream about what life could look like if only things were different. However, there's a fundamental truth about change that many overlook: in order to change, you need to take action. But to take action, you need to change.

At first glance, this seems like a paradox. How can you take action if you haven’t changed yet? And if you don’t take action, how can you expect change to happen? The key lies in understanding that change is a two-way street — action and mindset transformation play into each other.

Change Requires Action

Nothing in life changes without action. Whether you want to improve your health, advance your career, or foster stronger relationships, the starting point is always action. It’s easy to get stuck in the planning stage, thinking about what could be, but true transformation only happens when you take that first step. Action propels you forward and helps you learn, grow, and adapt in real-time. It’s not about having everything figured out before you start — it’s about starting, and learning as you go.

Taking Action Requires a Shift in Mindset

Now, here’s the catch: you won’t take action unless something inside you changes first. You need to shift your mindset. Maybe you’ve been held back by fear, self-doubt, or procrastination. These mental blocks prevent you from taking action, even when you know it’s the key to your growth. In order to take that first step, you must believe that change is possible and that you are worthy of it. You must commit to the idea that the discomfort of change is part of the process and embrace it rather than fear it. This shift in thinking, this internal change, is the catalyst for external action.

The Cycle of Growth

Once you take action, you’ll begin to see change, and that change will fuel your belief in further change. The more you act, the more your mindset evolves. The more your mindset evolves, the more motivated and capable you feel to take even greater action. It’s a powerful cycle where each step reinforces the other. Change becomes less about a distant dream and more about a series of small, consistent actions that add up over time.

So, the next time you find yourself thinking, "I want to change," remember: you need to take action to create change, and to take action, you need to change how you think. It’s a continuous dance of transformation. Start small. Take one step today, and trust that the momentum will build.

Starting to take action to create change in your life can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make it much easier. Here’s what's worked for me over the years:

Clarify Your Why

Why do you want change?
Before jumping into action, take a moment to get clear on your reasons for wanting to change. Whether it’s a desire to improve your health, change careers, develop new skills, heal from your traumas, understanding why you want change gives you motivation and clarity. It’s your anchor when the going gets tough.

For me, I grab a notebook. I write down my biggest challenge I'm holding onto. Next, I write down what actions I need to take to reach where I want to be, I often refer to this as the "end goal". 

Set Clear, Achievable Goals

What do you want to achieve?
Break down your desired change into specific, measurable, and achievable goals. Instead of saying “I want to go to the gym,” you change that to say, “I will exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times a week.” By setting clear goals, you turn your vision of change into something actionable. Small, incremental goals are easier to achieve and help build momentum.

Start Small, Focus on One Thing

What’s the first step?
Trying to change everything at once can be paralyzing and quite frankly, overwhelming as hell. Pick one area of your life to focus on, and start with a small, manageable action. For example, if you want to improve your health, instead of overhauling your entire diet, begin by drinking more water or cutting out one unhealthy snack. This avoids the overwhelming feeling and removes self doubt while allowing you to be able to celebrate a goal while making the change feel more attainable.

Create a Routine or System

How will you build consistency?
Change doesn’t happen overnight, however it does require consistency. Set up a routine that supports your goals. For example, if you want to write more, schedule specific times during the week when you’ll sit down to write. Routines help form habits, and habits make change easier to sustain.

Shift Your Mindset

What beliefs are holding you back?
Many people want change but hold onto limiting beliefs, such as "I’m not capable" or "I’ll fail." Recognize these negative thoughts when they arise and challenge them. Replace them with empowering beliefs: “I am capable,” “Every mistake is a learning opportunity,” or “I’m taking small steps toward my goal.” Your mindset will directly impact your ability to take action.

Take Action Every Day

What small steps can you take today?
Consistency is key. Even if the action you take is small, doing something every day brings you closer to your goal. I try to live by the "be 1% better than I was yesterday rule". It could be as simple as reading a page of a book, sending an email, or walking around the block. Every time you take action to move forward you are empowering yourself by overcoming what you didn't necessarily want to do with small actions and those small wins build momentum to keep you going.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

How will you measure your success?
It’s easy to focus only on the end result, but celebrate the small wins along the way. Whether it’s sticking to your new habit for a week or completing a smaller part of your goal, acknowledging your progress boosts motivation and keeps you going.

Be Ready to Adjust

What’s working and what’s not?
Sometimes the initial action plan won’t go exactly as planned. That’s okay! Be open to changing! See how this all works hand in hand? Reflect on what’s working and what’s not, and make adjustments. Flexibility is a key part of the process. The ability to adjust will help you stay on course and prevent frustration and disappointment within yourself.

Surround Yourself with Support

Who can help?
Change can be challenging, so surrounding yourself with supportive people can make all the difference. Share your goals with friends, family, or a mentor who can offer encouragement, advice, and accountability. If possible, find a like-minded group who’s also working toward similar goals, as this can provide a sense of community.

I'm ALWAYS here for you and your journey to bettering yourself. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me on social media or shooting me an email at Marci@MarciRenee.com. I got you because I know what it's like to change, to feel isolated and alone and that I'm drowning and not sure how to get out of the hole.

Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard

How will you stay motivated?
There will be days when it feels tough, and you might be tempted to give up. When that happens, remind yourself of your "why," refer back to the goals you’ve set, and remember that setbacks are part of the process. Every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress. Push through the tough moments, knowing that they are temporary and that your persistence will pay off. Most importantly, keep a positive mindset, give yourself grace and keep pushing forward.

In the end, change is not a destination — it’s a journey. And that journey begins with you.