Change isn’t part of the process; it is the process. The bad news: nothing is permanent. The good news: nothing is permanent.
Today, with the help of a friend, Brian Gardner (check out his inspiring site), we made the first design change to our site in nearly a decade.
Yes, a decade.
If you think about how drastically the internet and technology has matured in the past ten years, it’s impossible not to wonder why we didn’t update our site design sooner.
All details aside – and there are plenty of them – the answer is: Resistance to change.
Sure, in the past we’ve preached about prioritizing content over design. And yeah, it wasn’t broken, so we didn’t absolutely need to fix it. But these rationalities were just covering up the fact that we were stuck in our comfort zones.
In this subtle, yet obvious way, we weren’t practicing what we preach. But thankfully we finally caught ourselves and came to our senses.
And as we rolled out the new design this morning, I couldn’t help but appreciate the synchronicity of this short email from a coaching/course student that popped up in my inbox at the same exact time (I’m sharing this with permission):
“I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks. Today marks a full year that I’ve been eating right and working out regularly, which is, as you know, something I resisted for years. This time last year I weighed 312 pounds. When I saw my weight on the scale at the doctor’s office I knew it was time for a change. And after some much-needed coaching from you and Angel, a year of exercising my willpower, and using no dieting pills or gastric bands or anything, I went back to the doctor’s office for my annual check-up. ‘199 lbs,’ my doctor said. ‘You know, your positive lifestyle change just added roughly 10 years to your life expectancy.’ My 9-year-old daughter, who came with me, grabbed my hand and said, ‘I look forward to spending those extra years with you, daddy.’”
Wow! Talk about a beautiful reminder to embrace positive change in your life.
Yes, you may feel resistance, like Angel and I did with our site’s redesign. It may not be easy. But we all have to stretch our comfort zones and move our lives forward.
The truth is, living is a risk. Happiness is a risk. If you’re not a little scared sometimes, then you’re not doing it right. Don’t worry about mistakes and failures, worry about what you’re giving up when you don’t even try. Worry about the life you’re not living and the opportunities you’re forgoing, as you merely exist in the safety of your comfort zone. Give yourself permission to be one of the people who survived doing it wrong, who made mistakes, but recovered from them and grew into your strongest self.
That’s what I wish for Angel and me, and that’s what I wish for YOU.
So in a general sense, here are some good reasons it’s time for all of us to embrace change and move onward…
- Everything changes, whether you embrace change or not. – If nothing ever changed there would be no sunrise the next morning. Most of us are comfortable where we are even though the whole universe is constantly changing around us. Learning to accept this is vital to our happiness and general success. Because only when we change, do we grow, and begin to see a world we never knew was possible. And don’t forget, however good or bad a situation is now, it will change. That’s the one thing you can count on. So embrace it, and realize that change happens for a reason. It won’t always be easy or obvious at first, but in the end it will be worth it.
- There’s plenty of life left to be lived. – It’s never too late to live a day that makes you proud. If you don’t learn anything else from this post, learn that. We get one shot at the present and we can make it great. Today is the day! There’s no age limit on changing your course, and to settle in and be stuck in a life that isn’t authentic is a tragic waste. Honestly, it’s never too late or too early to be who you are capable of being. There’s no perfect time – you can simply start and stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. You can make the best or the worst of today. It’s up to you, so make the best of it. Do things that startle you. Feel things you’ve never felt before. Spend time with people who help you grow. Live a life you’re proud of. And if you find that you’re not, have the courage to change things.
- You can’t grow by standing in one place. – When things aren’t adding up in your life, it’s time to start subtracting. Sometimes you must let go to grow. You cannot discover new oceans unless you build up enough courage to lose sight of the old, familiar shoreline. Be brave. Follow your values. Listen to your intuition. And remember, no venture is ever a waste of time. The ones that don’t work out teach you lessons that prepare you for the ones that do. (Read Daring Greatly.)
- The past never changes. – You can spend hours, days, weeks, months, or even years sitting alone in a dark room, over-analyzing a situation from the past, trying to put the pieces together, and justifying what could’ve or should’ve happened. Or you can just leave the pieces in the dark and walk out the front door into the sunlight to get some fresh air.
- Holding on to old pain is self-abuse. – Your past has given you the strength and wisdom you have today, so celebrate it. Don’t let it haunt you. Replaying a painful memory over and over in your head is a form of self-abuse. Toxic thoughts create a toxic life. Make peace with yourself and your past. When you heal your thoughts, you heal the health of your happiness. So stop focusing on old problems and things you don’t want in your future. The more you think about them, the more you attract what you fear into your everyday experiences – you become your own worst enemy.
- Moving on creates positive change. – You may blame everyone else and think, “Poor me! Why do all these crappy things keep happening to me?” But the only thing those scenarios all have in common is YOU. And this is good news, because it means YOU alone have the power to change things, or change the way you think about things. There is something very powerful and liberating about surrendering to change and embracing it – this is where personal growth and evolution reside.
- New opportunities are out there waiting for you. – Nobody gets through life without challenges and disruptions… just as nobody gets through life without losing someone they love, something they need, or something they thought was meant to be. But it is these trials that make us stronger and eventually move us toward future opportunities. Embrace these opportunities. Enter new relationships and new situations, knowing that you are venturing into unfamiliar territory. Be ready to learn, be ready for a challenge, and be ready to experience something or meet someone that just might change your life forever. (Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the “Happiness” and “Adversity” chapters of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
Your turn…
What changes do you want to make in your life? What do you need to move on from? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.
Oh, and how do you like our new site design? We would appreciate your feedback on that too. 🙂
Photo by: Ashley
PP says
I recently started following your website as it had been recommended to me. Your posts have been so spot on for me, which has been a good thing. I have been working on many changes the last few years and this post hits it head on for me. When I find myself heading in a negative direction I just connect to your website. It’s amazing what positivity can do for oneself. Thank you!
Marc Chernoff says
Thanks so much for the kind remarks. Glad you found our site. We’re honored to have you here.
Sandra Pawula says
I love the new site design, Marc and Angel. Brian is a brilliant designer. I love how it has the same feel but space and simplicity have infused the page so it’s even more inviting.
To answer your question, I want to spend more time offline this summer focusing on deeper healing and deeper being. It’s scary because it is different so I appreciate your 10 little nudges toward change.
Marc Chernoff says
Thanks so much for the positive feedback and continued support, Sandra. I agree, Brian has a great eye for design.
And I love the idea of disconnecting more this summer. Angel and I have talked about doing the same thing — perhaps an internet-free staycation. 😉
Susan says
I’ve made a lot of positive changes, but I’m working on changing two big things in my life right now:
1. The way I try to control EVERYTHING that can’t be controlled.
2. My perfectionism.
I need to be more open and spontaneous and watch (some) wonderful things happen on their own. This is something I struggle with, but with your help I’m getting better and better at letting go and moving forward in a positive direction.
Thanks for another helpful post, Marc. Your posts, emails and book have literally turned my life around, one page at a time.
Susan says
Oh, and I love the simple redesign! Clean and easy to read. And mobile friendly now which is a huge plus. 🙂
Brian Gardner says
Marc, I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to work on your redesign. Having not done one in close to 10 years, I realized just how much of a sign of trust it was that you allowed me to do it.
I hope that the experience your readers have is a positive one, because it was my intent to do all I could to provide that.
Here’s to another 10 years of success, with hopefully a few more “new looks” along the way. Appreciate you and Angel!
Marc Chernoff says
As you know, we can’t thank you enough. Angel and I admire your talent, and we’re so happy with the final product.
Cheers to another 10 years (but perhaps with a bit more variety this time)! 😉
Lana says
Marc and Angel, you are AMAZING people. What you are doing is PRICELESS!!! You help others to become successful, loving and capable to create positive changes in their lives. I have been hurt alot from different types of losses in my life and going through very painful breakup of 3 years old relationship. You and your words of wisdom help me heal my inner wounds for which there is no medicine except time. Thank you so much for helping thousands women and men get healed and recover from life’s struggles. My wishes of health and long life to both of you. And also inspiration in writing more about living life to its full.
– Lana
PS: Love the new look. Similar, yet more refined.
Jehrule says
Your blog is one of the things that keep me going, and i am thankful to whatever for coming across your blog. I am 20 years old and about three weeks ago i broke up with my dad, since then life has been pretty hard with self doubt going through my mind. I am currently staying with a friend and i am finding it hard to let go and start over again.
CMitch says
Love the new site layout and as always the message you both provide daily. It is very much needed and appreciated in today’s crazy world. Thank you.
Anna says
Your website has played a profound role in the new changes in my attitude that are allowing me to embrace each new day that the Lord grants me ???.
Marc Chernoff says
So happy we’ve been able to help you in some small way, Anna.
Rebecca says
Your site design is beautiful and just right .When i stared at it for some time I felt a new horizon is opening up and i was filled with positive energy which made me feel that i can move away from my past hurts to a beautiful future counting all the blessings God has given me.Yes I will move on…
Marc Chernoff says
I love your sentiment. Thanks so much for the kind remarks, Rebecca. 🙂
Rose Costas says
Thanks for this post marc. I am convinced that I now need to make the final changes to move a head and that is forgiving myself for past mistakes and resist the urge to abuse myself by constantly reliving the past.
PS. I love the new look.
Nick says
I like the new site design, definitely cleaner.
BlackDiamond says
Congratulations to you and Angel on living outside the comfort zone and updating the design of the site. It reflects the growth, simplistic, savvy, powerful and not cluttered. I love the black and white feel to it.
Again, the message is right on time regarding living outside the comfort zone and embracing change. Happy Memorial Day weekend to all, njoy and be safe.
Pascale says
Thank you so much for your posts – they are a wonderful reminder of essentials truths (at least I feel they are truths because they resonate so deeply with me). I so often tend to forget them, I get caught up in daily strife and lose awareness – and then ping, come your emails into my mailbox and I know to read them!!! You are really doing a good deed and I am very grateful.
What gets me is currently is number 2. I will turn 50 next week and feel that haven’t yet lived my life and that I am just waking up to taking responsibility for my own happiness, but am not there yet!!!
Your website has a definite “clean” feel to it. I personally would have wished for the black stripes on the sides to be less black, but this is my own individual taste. Wishing all the best!
Jacqueline says
Your new site is excellent, very clean looking and easy to read… what do they say? “Keep it simple!”
I am moving on and its scary, but what i have learnt is this: Years fly by, and no one ever gets everything right. We all make mistakes, so sometimes we have to take the bull by the horns and do it, even if you are afraid. I was so afraid to move on but staying in situations that where seriously toxic and boring and miserable seemed a far worse fate. Perseverance put some back bone into me yes, but tolerating things for fear of change and all the what if’s of life keep you down. I don,t want to get to old age bitter and resentful, it eventually destroys self and relationships.
Thank you for impacting my life for the better.
Bless you both tons,
Jacqueline
Bliss says
This is only the second post of yours I’ve read and the difference in readability is striking, in both the email version and the website itself. The new font, the use of white space, breaking up paragraphs…all that makes the post look less daunting to read. I did notice that the email version doesn’t appear to have any link for a reply, so I had to come to the website. If you provide a link where you ask for feedback, you might get more comments. Also, I agree with the comment above that the sidebars are a little too dark. Do you plan to overlay reverse type (white) text in them later?
Thank you for the reminder that “There’s plenty of life left to be lived.” At age 72, I needed that.
Biki says
Your articles are just fantastic and fantastically written. You’re always giving me some much need perspective and refreshment. Inspiring me to make the right changes, just like you.
Frank says
Good afternoon! I enjoy the “Not so cluttered” look of your new site. The nice crisp, clearly numbered topics/paragraphs
are easier (and more pleasant) to follow. Good for you.
I found today’s topic of “Time to move on and embrace change” encouraging….especially for me at 77 years of age in a
non-nourishing, emotional abusive, roller-coaster ride of a 27yr.marriage. After five marriage and relationship
therapists, even at my age it is time to move on. Your comments today were enlightening and encouraging .
Elsie Goycoolea says
The design is beautiful! I am always wary of change and like to sit in my comfortable corner but once you give in, you see that the rest of the room is a much more exciting place. I have recently shifted career paths and the change is a challenge for me everyday. I keep moving forward and I definitely don’t regret any step I am taking.
SAnne Briggs says
Marc and Angel; love the new page design, and the openness of same! Thank You so very much for always having an inspiring look at LIFE in your articles!! Appreciate the POSITIVITY!!
Christie says
I have stumbled here during a particular time in my life where so much change is happening at the same time. I’m a bit overwhelmed. Depressed. Trying to get away from toxic relationships. Trying to accept and love myself intead of looking for someone else to love and accept me. I don’t think this was a coincidence.
Emmanuel Worthwhile says
Wonderful article. Thanks for sharing this.
Nancy says
LOVE the re-design, so clean and fresh!
Ms. J. S. Butler says
The new site design is great! I know exactly what you mean; I’m taking the summer to update all of my sites – consolidation, elimination and rejuvenation! At least there’s 2 of you, it’s a little easier…
Keep writing!
Anitha_India says
Cool design! I am daily reader of your blog and when I saw it initially, I thought I was routed to different site; But this looks really good and more visible. Background picture rocks in black and white, and Angel really looks like an angel.
Thanks for all your valuable efforts. There is a Marc and Angel belief email newsletter paper hanging on my workstation and I see it all day to keep me optimistic towards life; that’s the kind of work you guys do in each and every person who goes thru your site. Many thanks from heart!!!
Gaurav R says
Fantastic look for the website .. 🙂
Opened your blog site this morning and what I uttered was WOW 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Kennedy says
First, I would like to change the way I relate to my family. I feel I have ignored them for a long time. Second, I would like to move on from alcohol as a way to relax; it has wasted my life and money.
PS: The new design is perfect!
Nicole M. says
LOVE your new site design, and this post.
Thanks for all you guys do!
Anna says
Talk about synchronicity: I had several stranger dreams last night and in waking up, reading this post and thinking about how I’ve been loving my life lately I realized what the dreams were trying to tell me. The common theme of all the dreams was that I hesitated when the situation required me to be brave and courageous and someone else took my place and even though I wanted to be the person who did the brave thing or saved the day I didn’t and I realized that that’s how I’ve been living my life lately: stuck in a fearful comfort zone. I used to be the type of person who acted without hesitation and I’m ready to be that person again. The dreams and your post are my wake-up call that I’ve needed for a long time: it’s time to stop resisting my life out of fear and start living the life I want and know I deserve.
Thanks so much for everything you do and I love the new site design! ?
Yvonne I. Wilson says
Hi Marc and Angel
First about the design, I was pleasantly surprised when I logged on today and quickly wondered if I was on the right site. That came from me getting so used to the old design – a perfect example of how much we all like holding on to the past without realizing that we are holding back ourselves from something more beautiful and appealing. With that said, I LOVE the new look and feel of your website and the fact that you are right there in the back makes it all the more ‘homey’.
In answer to your Q’s: I would like to spend more time first with myself simply because I believe there is still so much I need to discover – untapped potential and to learn more about who I am.. I would love to spend more time with my family. I miss that but never seem to have the time. So my change is to make the time to do all these things.
I am thankful to you guys because your articles have helped me to grow and develop over the 2 1/2 years I’ve been following your blog. Great job!
Marc Chernoff says
Thank you for being here with us for the past 2.5 years. We truly appreciate you, Yvonne.
Lynne says
Thank you for everything… I lost my husband and I have made some silly mistakes, and now I really want to move on.
reg says
I’m 7 months pregnant right now and I started following this page. It truly inspires me to have a positive outlook everything thru out my pregnancy. sometimes iI cry because the message and associated thoughts strike me, but I always feel good because I’m learning something from it. Thank you for the thoughts…keep it up.
Dianne Nicole says
It’s been almost a year that I’ve been reading your blog ,Marc and Angel, and every message has been timely, but not like this one. My life is a diary of change. I came to a point where the rate of change seemed drain any happiness rather than add. I felt that finding a moment to stand still and grow would make the biggest difference for me so I did. But having done so for a few years, I now realise that a desire for change and new adventure is written in my DNA and that in fact only acknowledging and embracing that will make the most difference in my life. It was my resistance and a feeling that I needed to stop change that has been most challenging, so I’m stepping right back into the minefield of “what’s new” knowing that it is just what I need.
Marc Chernoff says
Everyone, thank you for all the positive feedback, about the article, and especially about the design. We are so thrilled we stretched that comfort zone of ours. 😉
Kamto says
I don’t remember how I found your site, I was googling an article and I found an interesting post, and I saved your site in my home screen. I learn a lot from your posts… how to be a positive person, and always see every negative situation positively now.
And today I wow on your new design. Easy to read,, previously I had to zoom to read your articles, and it was annoying, hahahahaha..
Thanks for you Guys! Warm greetings from Jakarta.
Jane says
The change I’d like to make is to stop thinking about the things that I don’t want in my life. The more I think about it, the more I attract the things that I fear. Instead, I shall focus on the things that I want in my life.
There is tremendous wisdom in this idea.
The new website looks sophisticated and current. Wonderful change, Marc and Angel.
sheila says
The change I would like to make is to start living my life to the fullest, and to stop just talking about it.
Thanks
Ritu says
The new look is fantastic 🙂
Thanks for the wonderful post… I am getting addicted of you guys, Marc and Angel. You are doing fantastic work!
Fiona says
I need to let go of my family member being the reason I lost my good job at the hospital. I was ther for 5 years and just the one time I try to help (my mothers family) they tripped me up to get me fired. (Jealous of my simply life) anywho I need to let go and move on from this. It’s been 9 months I’m still trying to find work but I agree I need to let this go.
Willow says
I loved reading this. The last two years have been the biggest change of my life as myself and my children left a relationship with my family and friends which was so distructive to us. We have learnt to become strong and I have been so busy (often getting it a bit wrong) building up my own confidence and there is so much I would love to do and so reading this has been beautiful and has made me realise that now is a really good time! ? I will definitely be following this site as part of the changes we’re making, Thank you for sharing x
Brandy Drake says
I resigned from my finance job of 13 yrs last week. It is scary, but I had the feeling that I wasn’t appreciated enough and it was time to move on. Being stuck in the mud, with very little authority, I have been fed up and couldn’t give 100% anymore. The new job starts tomorrow and it’s in the hr field. I’m excited for the change and looking forward to the experience to come. A bold step, leaving what I know to move on, but I’m only 34, so I’ve got time to try new things.
TammyW. says
The new website is clean and fresh. It’s very calming!
What do I want to change? First, I want to use my time to live MY life. Not wasting it on experiencing it through watching TV.
Second, I’ve been bullied at work making it a painful, frustrating experience. I work 12 hour shifts as a psychiatric nurse. I’m going to do all in my power to make each shift as positive as possible and focus on what positive changes I can make.
Third, I’m going to reclaim my health by reducing processed food and mindful exercise.
Time to stop waiting for changes I want to happen. Time to be proactive and make the life I want….starting NOW!
peculiar says
I am always inspired each time I read one of your emails. Thanks a lot!
Lisa says
Instead of unconsciously always playing the victim in my situation, I realised now with your help that change is good, moving out of comfort zones helps us all to learn lessons that keep us moving forward. It’s realising that we need to learn new things about ourselves, and this often difficult journey will make us the best versions of ourselves. I find staying in the moment and making small changes today, make for a brighter, happier, more contented tomorrow. Thank you for your words Marc and Angel xx
Alise Oliver says
One year ago I took a leap of faith and changed my life completely. I was inspired and motivated by your blog. Thank you for giving me the courage to embrace change!
ernan alfaro says
You know I have been following your website for about 3 years now. I love the new design. This entry about change really gives me a sense of hope. I have a really great opportunity in front of me to go to grad school and be one step closer to becoming a social worker. But there’s one thing that holds me back, FEAR. My main fear is my mothers health. Her eye sight is really bad and she has been really dependent on me to do her daily errands, activities, etc. If I leave I fear that she might become depressed or won’t have anyone to help her. She also just had a brain tumor removed in march.
So as you can see, we have been dealing with a lot the past few months. I have two older brothers, one who is married with two kids and one on the way, the other who is in nursing school. They don’t have a lot of time on their hands. So now, my choice is to give up this amazing opportunity and stay with my mother or leave and chase after my dreams of becoming a social worker. Somehow, I feel that change should be my solution.
Marie Grain de Sel says
Thank you for those deeply inspiring words and examples ! I understand how change can look so scary (especially where I’m from, in France, where not changing is kind of a religion or something…). We cannot do without change, change is everywhere : so we’d rather embrace it, each in our own ways… so that we maximise what can be made out of life !
Myra says
I need to change my thinking first! Stop believing it’s too late to do what I want to do! Stop being comfortable and making excuses! I need to change to have the life I’m suppose to have!
Cindy says
I think I have read a few articles by you, so I feel I can’t comment about your website. However, I do appreciate this article it’s for sure timely for me. 2015 for sure has brought alot of changes in my life- one getting divorced. The other will be turning 50. I recently have been doinf alot of soul searching and trying to discover where do I take my next life journey. I feel stagnet in my job and have tried to apply for different positions within the organization. Yet the door has been closed each time. So I feel it might be time to step out and try something different even if it is scary. I have dreams and I think it’s time to go for them. Life truly is too short to be stuck doing the same old. Thank you for this article it’s truly conformation that I am persuing the right things.
Taru Aaltonen says
This really hit home. I’ve been contemplating about changing jobs for a long time already, but certain things still keep me in place: security, regular money, nice coworkers, an easy-going boss.
But.
The job itself is soul-killing. I’m dragging my feet every morning just to make it to work in time. I know I can do better. I know I’m cut out for more than this.
Yesterday, I summoned the courage to actively start seeking new employment. I know that it might not be what I’m looking for, either, but I crave change more than anything else. I need change, otherwise I’m going to stagnate.
Thank you for your wonderful website!
Mara says
I am in the same situation like Taru. I have a part-time job near home. I love my job. Btw I am little scared about the stasis”: I know I can value more part-time job. I decide to find a new job serioulsy. I am in my comfort zone by 10years: little jobs, procrastinator my degree … this post re-open my eyes! Thanks
Ps: new look is awesome like you guys -:)