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"We need to train ourselves to fight for positive changes."

A thought by John C. Maxwell (2012-10-02) from his book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential (p. 133). Center Street. Kindle Edition.

Notice he said positive changes.  You may be fighting for your mate to change to your way of thinking instead of fighting for a positive change in the relationship. 

So how do we do that? John then said, “By remembering that our choices will lead to either the pain of self-discipline or the pain of regret. I’d rather live with the pain of self-discipline and reap the positive rewards than live with the pain of regret, which is something that can create a deep and continual ache within us.”

Self-discipline isn’t usually the easy way out.  It takes discipline to stop spouting your side and start to listen to what they are saying and striving to hear their side.  Maybe having some understanding in where they are coming from will be a step in the right direction.  It may be hard to not jump in and push your way of thinking and what they say may hurt you but they may really need to say it.  Your stopping and really listening may be a positive change in the relationship and it may be the path that may lead them to stop and listen to you.  You need to fight for a healthy marriage.

It takes self-discipline to quit eating what you love and to start exercising instead of watching TV in order to get healthy.  It may save your life.  You need to fight for a healthy life-style. 

Remember, there is no gain without pain but there is also pain in not gaining.  The pain of a heart attack, the pain of a divorce, the pain of deep debt, the pain of regrets can hurt deeply.  So can the pain of self-discipline but the rewards are worth that pain.

John also said, “The next time you find yourself in the midst of a bad experience, remind yourself that you are on the cusp of an opportunity to change and grow. Whether you do will depend on how you react to your experience, and the changes you make as a result.”

So what kind of change are you fighting for?

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