Have you ever caught yourself saying: "Why do things have to change? I've just gotten used to doing it this way." If so, then you are probably getting older.

Resistance to change is not so much a negative as it is a fear of the unknown: "If I do change, or even make suggested adjustments, what's that going to do to my patterned lifestyle?" Yes, the fear of change — whatever your age can be a block that limits your ability to truly live in the present.

Change is inevitable. It occurs whether you are ready or not. Growth is both physical and mental advancement. Change in physical growth occurs without thought. Mental growth advances when new information is obtained, and you are willing and desire change.

You are what you think, so your thoughts are encouragers or discouragers in efforts to change and advance. Talk to yourself, be your best friend, accept change and work with it.

A likely scenario starting to percolate in your mind is this thought: "That's easy for you to say." Such a reaction is part and partial to one's defense system. Don't reject it without slowing down and asking yourself this question: "What can I do right now?" You'll be amazed at the calming effect it will have on you and your thought process.

Most importantly, don't allow frustration to over take you. Frustration is an irrational emotion that sends the mind to failure mode and is filled with despair and hopelessness. You can avoid this by not reacting to change, but trying to understand it. Understanding occurs after you've collected information, separated what fits and doesn't, and put together an action plan.

The mind is a wonderful gift and is invaluable for keeping emotions under control. It is amazing how a simple question can bring rational thought back to the forefront. As this happens, your actions and behavior become more productive. You see what can be done, do it to the best of your abilities, and produce joy and satisfaction through productive advancement.

"Thy will be done," is common in prayer, but is also a guiding thought of support as you manage daily encounters. A strong will is an internal factor, generated from knowledge and understanding of who you are and what you are capable of achieving.

It provides strength, desire and drive to "keep on keeping on." It teaches a never-quit attitude, providing thoughts and creating options as to what can be done. Trust yourself, believe in this strength, make it daily thought, and achievement with happiness will be found in your adjustments.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. As with every day, facing challenges with minor or major consequences are a part of living. Thoughts regarding these challenges determine resulting consequences or benefits.

Experiences include struggle with setbacks, suffering pain, disappointment, and need for supportive encouragement. Doing your best and never giving in to despair provides benefits of wholeness, contentment and accomplishment resulting in self-victory, the true benefit.

In the beginning, life is comfortable and easy. Difficulties are simple, but with growth, gradually become more challenging. Looking back from an older perspective, it is easy to see that greatness did emerge from those things that were small.

Faith, belief, dreams, relationships, desires, determination, strength those small things are building blocks that turn into accomplishments. The key is to adjust, but never quit. Make these a major part of your life's goal.

The perception of failure as a dreaded experience is in the mind of the beholder. Thinking and fearing failure limits efforts to achieve. Understanding failure as a learning experience teaches what not to repeat. Adjusting to life events is dependent on creating options with "can do" thinking. Failure teaches humility, understanding failure, a new direction. Exercising options focuses action toward success.

Change is a life constant. Each day presents newness and difference. Change is a challenge and blessing wrapped in the same package. Choice positive or negative, productive or unproductive is reality.

Choices are dependent on thoughts laced with fear and division, or with achievement and joy. Principles are driving forces that guide despair, or perpetuate pride. All three are constants, and rely on thoughts, actions and behavior. Be curious, open and receptive to these life building blocks.

Change is a management tool that is first conceived in our thoughts. We become aware something is happening, encouraging or demanding adjustment. Thoughts unfold as understanding the challenge becomes critical. Sorting fact from fiction, truth from supposition, and what can be done right now, enhances understanding.

With a developing plan, action to adjust is taken with information and understanding ready to implement. For productive change to occur, our thoughts and understanding must change first. Use your wisdom and thought to "get unstuck."