We are in the business of transforming lives here at the Academy. Although this phrase is very specific, it is also vague. Generally speaking, lives can be transformed in a multitude of ways. One thing is certain though, transformation happens almost daily and on varying levels of the spectrum. When I first heard “transforming lives,” it seemed to just stick with me. While some people run from it, I seem to find myself doing the opposite – I have never been one to follow the status quo anyway. Transforming my own life, as well as those around me, will always be a passion of mine.

Over the years, I have embraced this to the fullest. Transformation requires change(s) to also be made. Change, for me, is an opportunity to be a better version of myself, to be more efficient, to be more informed, to alter my surroundings and to find everchanging passions. You see, transformation and change, sometimes used interchangeably, are truly beautiful. We have the opportunity to change something either at the snap of a finger or spend endless hours working towards it. Embracing change is beneficial to your success and growth as a person and within your career.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. You Grow and Learn New Things
   Change really pushes you out of your comfort zone. It challenges your current opinions, mindset, beliefs, and outlooks. You start learning new things about yourself, your limitations and what you can and cannot handle. It helps you to live up to your full potential.
2. Your Flexibility Increases
   Flexibility is an extremely important and highly desirable quality in a person. It teaches you to be adaptable, to think outside the box and to react more appropriately when the unexpected happens. You will flourish in chaos and roll with the punches – usually with a more positive attitude.
3. You Have More Fun
   If you are open to change, you tend to say YES more. You will notice your mind shifting from saying no, and will begin to be more open to new experiences. New experiences, broadened horizons and open-mindedness more often than not equate to fun.
4. Opportunities Present Themselves
   When you start embracing change, opportunities start to present themselves in varying ways and are abundant. When you’re stuck in your comfort zone you may not see them, but either way, opportunities are all around us.

Embracing change ultimately brings opportunity and thus transforms your life. I know we have all heard the quote “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” and I couldn’t agree more. I spent years saying no to opportunities or finding excuses why I couldn’t do it – whatever it was. The excuses were plentiful: I don’t know how, I don’t have the money, there’s nothing wrong with how I am doing it now, I don’t have the time, etc. I finally stopped the excuses that were holding me back and started accepting change head-on. That, in itself, has transformed my life.

Many of us are holding ourselves back from something and whatever it is… I challenge you to do it now, before the end of the year. Get out of your comfort zone at least once, embrace change, transform your life. We only get one, so live it to the fullest!

Kimberlee Kenyon
Member Services Coordinator
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com