“That will take time,” a client said. He wanted to change his approach to life and work, and was aware it would be difficult.
“I don’t change quickly,” he said. “It’s going to take time.”
“What will you do over time to make the change you want?” I asked.
Time is not the most important factor in change—it’s what happens over time that is. Nothing changes if we keep thinking and acting as we always have. Even in things of quality, which do take time, the focus is on work well done.
While taking violin lessons as a boy my teacher stopped me and told me to play a muddled section again.
“I’ve practiced every day for an hour,” I said. “But I still can’t get it.”
“Break it into smaller parts and slow it down until you get it right. It doesn’t help to practice it the wrong way,” she said.
It is the same in life and work. Time brings opportunities to experience things again. Don’t be passive. Choose to practice doing things better over time. Break your problem areas down (personal, vocational, relational) and take it slow. Use a trainer.
It does take time, but with mindful practice one gets better.