You’re a Process, Not a Thing: Embracing the Power of Change
When you think about yourself, how do you define who you are? Many of us instinctively see ourselves as static entities—a collection of fixed traits, identities, and characteristics. But here’s a transformative thought: you’re not a noun. You’re a verb.
This might seem unsettling at first. After all, the idea of being a fixed “thing” feels safe and solid. Yet, when you recognize yourself as a process, you unlock incredible potential for growth, adaptation, and change.
The Dynamic You: A River, Not a Rock
Imagine a river flowing through a landscape. It’s vibrant, moving, and ever-changing. Now compare that to a rock—a static, unyielding object in the river’s path. Which would you rather be? The river, with its boundless ability to adapt and shape the world around it, or the rock, worn down over time by forces beyond its control?
You’re more like the river than you might realize. Every aspect of your being—psychological, emotional, and even physical—is in constant motion. This is great news because processes are much easier to redirect than fixed objects are to change.
The Psychology of Being a Verb
Our thoughts and emotions are fluid by nature. The narratives we tell ourselves and the habits we form might feel set in stone, but they’re more malleable than we give them credit for. With small, intentional actions, you can begin to shift your mindset and reframe your story.
For example:
Rewriting Negative Beliefs: If you’ve always thought, “I’m not good at this,” you can actively practice telling yourself, “I’m improving every day.” Over time, this reframe shifts your perception and confidence.
Building Resilience: Emotions come in waves, but they don’t define you. Recognizing emotions as temporary states helps you process them and move forward.
By seeing yourself as a dynamic being, you open up opportunities for growth that once felt impossible.
Your Body as a Process
It’s not just your mind that’s in motion—your body is, too. Every second, millions of cells in your body are regenerating, repairing, and replacing themselves. This biological reality means that even physical change is more accessible than it seems.
Want to build strength, improve your health, or enhance your energy? Approach these goals as gradual processes rather than overnight transformations:
Small Wins Add Up: Commit to micro-changes, like walking 10 more minutes a day or choosing one healthier meal each day. Over time, these compound into significant transformations.
Adaptation is Key: Your body thrives on adaptation. Whether it’s building endurance or healing from an injury, your body is built to respond to consistent effort.
The Empowering Truth: Change Is Easier Than You Think
Recognizing yourself as a process is liberating. It removes the weight of perfectionism and replaces it with curiosity and momentum. You’re not locked into your current state; you’re in motion, always capable of evolving.
Here’s why this mindset matters:
Small Changes Have Big Impacts: A slight adjustment in your “flow”—like practicing gratitude, tweaking a habit, or adopting a healthier routine—can ripple outward to create profound change.
You’re Never Stuck: When life feels overwhelming, remind yourself that processes can be redirected. Like a river finding a new path, you can shift your course with small, intentional steps.
It’s About Progress, Not Perfection: By focusing on the journey rather than an endpoint, you free yourself from the pressure of rigid goals and enjoy the transformation as it unfolds.
How to Embrace Your Process
Ready to step into the flow? Here are practical steps to start embracing your process today:
Adopt a Growth Mindset: Replace “I am” statements with “I’m becoming” statements. For example, “I’m becoming more organized” feels lighter and more actionable than “I’m disorganized.”
Start Small: Identify one small area of life you want to improve, and focus on making tiny, consistent changes.
Celebrate Your Evolution: Reflect on how far you’ve come, no matter how small the steps. Celebrate the process, not just the outcomes.
Be Patient with Yourself: Change takes time. Honor your journey and trust the flow.
Final Thoughts: Be the River
You’re not a fixed thing. You’re a living, breathing process full of potential and possibility. By embracing this dynamic view of yourself, you not only ease the pressure of perfection but also open doors to endless growth and transformation.
You are a verb, not a noun. You’re not the rock in the river; you are the river itself, shaping your world with every moment. Let the flow inspire you, guide you, and remind you of your incredible power to change. Be well.
