Change Is Beautiful: Embracing Transformation to Thrive in Life
In one of our episodes of Thriving Changes in the previous season, we sat down with Professor Paul Hawkinson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Transform Capital, a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost mortgage and business loans to families in need. He is also an Associate Professor of Business Strategy and Finance at North Park University. Our conversation was about the deep wisdom he’s gleaned through years of embracing change, navigating adversity, and helping others thrive. This episode is an invitation to the audience to reflect on how we can embrace transformation in our own lives.
Below, we’ll unpack some of the powerful messages from the conversation and explore how you can apply them to your own journey. By following these insights, you’ll be inspired to grow, connect, and thrive—even when faced with life’s greatest challenges.
Listen to Your Heart, Not the Noise Around You
Prof. Hawkinson asked a pivotal question: “How are you listening to yourself and your heart about what you truly want to change, rather than succumbing to the pressure from parents, from others, or even from staying in your current success? None of that really matters in the end.”
In today’s world, it’s easy to let external voices dictate our choices. Parents, friends, and societal norms often set unspoken expectations, leaving us feeling trapped in roles or careers that don’t align with our inner desires. But the truth is, fulfillment only comes when we live authentically.
Practical Steps to Start Listening to Your Heart:
Schedule Quiet Time: Dedicate 15 minutes daily to sit quietly, journal, or meditate. Pay attention to what truly excites or frustrates you.
Ask Questions: Reflect on questions like, what do I truly want? Am I living for myself or others? Honest answers can lead you to your path.
Take Small Steps: Start exploring what feels right. If a new career or lifestyle appeals to you, take one small action toward it this week.
The Power of Conversations
Take more time to engage in meaningful conversations.
“We all need to talk more, to understand different perspectives rather than argue.” In a world divided by opinions, many of us have lost the art of listening. But conversations are transformative when approached with openness.
When we listen to understand—not to respond—we build bridges instead of barriers. Whether it’s speaking with someone from a different background or simply asking a friend how they’re doing, these exchanges foster empathy and growth.
Ways to Have Meaningful Conversations:
Practice Active Listening: When someone speaks, focus entirely on their words. Avoid interrupting or planning your response.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Invite depth into conversations by asking, what’s been on your mind lately? or How do you see this situation?
Step Outside Your Circle: Talk to someone outside your usual group—a coworker in a different department, a neighbor, or a stranger. These exchanges expand your perspective.
Relationships Remind Us What Matters
“Relationships ground us; they remind us of what really matters,” Prof. Hawkinson emphasized. In life’s whirlwind, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. Achievements and material success are fleeting, but relationships—with family, friends, and communities—provide lasting fulfillment.
How to Strengthen Relationships:
Prioritize Time Together: Schedule regular check-ins or outings with loved ones. Quality time builds connection.
Express Gratitude: Let the people in your life know you value them. A simple “Thank you for being there” goes a long way.
Be Present: Put down your phone and focus on the moment. Presence is one of the greatest gifts you can offer.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
“Push yourself out of your comfort zone—this is how you connect with others.” Growth happens when we take risks, try new things, and meet new people. Staying comfortable may feel safe, but it limits your potential.
“If we don’t try something, we’ll never know if we like it or not.” Life is an experiment. The more you explore, the more opportunities you create for yourself.
Steps to Push Beyond Comfort:
Try One New Thing Weekly: Whether it’s taking a different route to work, attending a new class, or trying a new hobby, small steps build confidence.
Say Yes More Often: Accept invitations or opportunities that scare you a little. Fear often signals growth.
Reflect on Successes: After stepping outside your comfort zone, write down what you learned. These reflections build courage for future challenges.
Find Joy Beyond Work
Find joy outside of work.
It’s easy to get consumed by work, but as Prof. Hawkinson urged, “Find something outside of work that engages your heart.” Whether it’s volunteering, hiking, painting, or gardening, pursuing passions outside of your job creates balance and fulfillment.
How to Discover Your Passion:
Experiment Freely: Attend workshops, join clubs, or try online tutorials in areas you’re curious about.
Reflect on Childhood Joys: What activities brought you happiness as a child? Revisit them.
Dedicate Time: Block out time for hobbies each week. Consistency deepens your engagement.
View Failure as a Teacher
“Everything we’ve done, even our failures, contributes to valuable learnings,” Prof. Hawkinson shared. Mistakes aren’t dead ends; they’re stepping stones. Failure is a natural part of growth, and each stumble teaches you something valuable.
How to Embrace Failure:
Reframe It: Instead of seeing failure as defeat, view it as feedback. Ask yourself, what did this teach me?
Celebrate Effort: Acknowledge the courage it took to try, regardless of the outcome.
Move Forward: Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Focus on what you can do differently next time.
Celebrate Change
Finally, Prof. Hawkinson reminded us that “Change is beautiful. Change is what sets you apart.” Life is a constant evolution, and resisting change only causes stress. When we embrace transformation, we open ourselves to new opportunities and deeper fulfillment.
It’s only when we explore that we find ways to be innovative. Innovation—in work, relationships, or personal growth—comes from stepping into the unknown.
How to Embrace Change:
Start Small: Make incremental changes in your routine, like trying a new recipe or rearranging your living space.
Seek Inspiration: Read stories or listen to podcasts about people who’ve thrived through change.
Trust the Process: Remind yourself that every transformation has a purpose, even if it’s unclear at first.
Closing Thoughts
This episode of Thriving Changes left us with a powerful reminder: resilience is born from embracing change and connecting with others. Prof. Paul Hawkinson’s insights encourage us to live authentically, seek meaningful relationships, and celebrate the beauty of transformation.
The journey won’t always be easy, but by taking small, intentional steps, you can thrive in the face of adversity. So, ask yourself today: What is one small change I can make to align my life with my heart? Then take the leap. Because change isn’t just inevitable—it’s beautiful.
