Make A Commitment and Foster Personal Growth, Community and Connection

“Commitment is the key to attracting the conditions and energy that

provide exactly what you want.” -Mike Pallin.

This week marks the 100th time you’ve welcomed me to your inbox. I’m celebrating this milestone not because I maintained my commitment to publish each week but because of the unexpected rewards of doing so. 

Photo by Sebastian Voortman

The Unexpected Benefits When You Commit To Change

When you commit to a goal, you have reasons that led to your decision.

You walk daily to improve your health, practice meditation to become more mindful or complete your education to secure a job in your field. The benefits are apparent.

But have you noticed or considered the unexpected benefits when you commit to change?

I had several goals when I launched The Power of Change in October 2021:

• Return to writing daily

• Help one person each week think differently or consider a new perspective or approach to a problem.

• Develop a community of like-minded people who want or need to transform their lives.

• Consider ideas for my first solo book, a memoir about building resilience and overcoming adversity.

During the past 100 weeks, I’ve offered information, tips, and tools about topics that impacted my life over the past five decades: resilience, mindfulness, perseverance, developing a growth mindset, maintaining meaningful connections, and the benefits of a community, stories I hoped would help others and offer hope for those who needed it most.

What happened in the process was unexpected:

• You commented and engaged with me and others in the community about the topics discussed. 

• You contacted me privately to ask questions or thank me for covering a particular topic.

• You shared my work with others, which is the ultimate compliment for a writer.

Each interaction reminded me that we’re all in this thing called life together. (Yes, I was a fan of Prince:). 

You reminded me that:

We all have fears, worries, and concerns. 

We celebrate our triumphs and mourn our losses. 

We question what comes next or how to get from point A to point B.

We need and want the support of others

We’re capable of more than we realize.

We all experience difficult times. How we respond is the difference between surviving and thriving.

I’m celebrating the 100th edition of The Power of Change because you told me it’s made a difference in your life or the life of someone you know.

While I’m thrilled I’ve helped more than one person a week, please know you’ve made a difference in my life, too!

• You helped me to expand my mindfulness practice when I became complacent.

• You helped me to move beyond my comfort zone when I needed a gentle push.

• You helped me to renew my vision for the future.

As a result, new doors opened that I never expected, including:

• Being asked to contribute to a #1 international bestselling book last year - certainly a highlight!

• Growing the community of The Power of Change to readers in 34 states and 31 countries - unexpected!

• Helping other writers develop, grow, and expand their reach.

Another unexpected benefit of commitment is meeting and connecting with you, collaborating with other writers, and developing new friendships.

Trust me, it’s a pleasure and a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I hope to meet more of you in the coming weeks and months.

If you haven’t yet said hello, please do so in the comments below today.

A Simple Approach

In my previous life as a marketing executive, I turned technical product specifications into easy-to-understand stories. By analyzing, condensing, and simplifying complex information, I learned to tell stories that offered solutions.

Today, I tell stories that offer solutions for a different audience: those struggling to find answers, a path forward, or a renewed confidence in themselves.

Several readers recently thanked me for offering clear, concise steps to starting a meditation practice or breaking down the science of neuroplasticity. Those comments and interactions encourage me to keep writing nights and weekends, between family obligations, client responsibilities, walks with Remy, and my ongoing treatments for my health condition.

To all who have subscribed, I’m grateful for your continued support. I look forward to bringing you new content and offering information and guidance to help you live a more joyful life despite the challenges that may come your way.

What’s Coming at The Power of Change

In addition to adding contributing writers each month, starting in September, I’ll add new benefits to those who subscribe, including a monthly list of curated content for paid subscribers. Consider it a library of resources beyond what I bring you each week.

That’s where you come in!

If you’re currently a free subscriber, thank you for your support.

Free subscribers will continue to receive:

• Weekly posts delivered to your inbox on Sunday morning.

• Stories of hope and healing to inspire you to uncover your transformative power.

• My sincere gratitude for your support.

If you’re a free subscriber but would like to explore your ability to change your life further, consider upgrading to a paid subscription.

Paid subscribers will receive all of the above benefits plus the following:

• Access to the entire archive of articles. Existing posts will be archived after two weeks.

• Join the growing community through monthly chats. Meet me and other members as we explore one in-depth topic each month. Download the Substack app to join!

• Receive a monthly curated list of tools to help you build resilience and expand your growth mindset.

• My sincere gratitude for your support.

If you consider yourself a patron of the arts and would like to support independent writers, consider becoming a Founding Member to receive all of the above benefits plus:

• A signed copy of the international bestselling book My Mess Is My Message II.

• My sincere gratitude for your support.

Until next week, be mindful, and stay well.

xo

Tracy

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If you enjoyed this post, please click the ❤️ at the end so more people can discover it on Substack. If it resonates with you, drop me a note and let me know how. And, of course, if someone you know could benefit from reading this, please share it with them. 🙏🏻