Did you know that personal change and growth can be like looking through a kaleidoscope?

In this article you will learn how to use this analogy to help you make the changes you want in your life.

The frustration of small changes

Most of the time, we change a little bit at a time. This can be so very frustrating, because we know where we want to go and want to get there right away.

Part of the reason for this is the instant fast food culture in which we live. We are spoiled by being able to get so much of what we want right away.

So we expect personal change and growth to happen in the same way. When it does not happen that way, we can get frustrated and give up.

What my experience working with clients tells me is that many people give up too soon, just short of their goal. They do not realize the power of small changes.

The power of small changes

Remember the kaleidoscopes we played with as kids? You would look through the small hole in the tube, turn the end of the tube and watch the colors and shapes change.

Many times there would be a series of small shifts followed by a big shift in the picture.

That's often how we change as well

This is often how we change as well. We can make lots of small and seemingly meaningless shifts, that end up leading to big changes.

So when you find yourself frustrated by making only small shifts or changes, always remember, big changes can be just one more small shift away.

Jeff Herring

Jeff is a marriage and family therapist, singles and relationship coach, mentor coach, speaker, syndicated relationship columnist and author.

Jeff has a full time private practice in Tallahassee in which he specializes in couples, teen and parent counseling. He also is a relationship coach specializing in working with couples and singles. Some of his professional activities include:

==> Internationally syndicated relationship columnist through Knight-Ridder/Tribune Media Services, with a weekly readership of over 10 million worldwide

==> Sought after speaker for organizations, associations, churches, and corporations

==>Twice weekly appearances on The Steve and Sara Show on Magic 107.1

==> Author of "Keep the Changes: 52 Tools for Successful Living" a collection of his best columns, as well as several e-books including "How to Create a Passionate and Loving Relationship.........Forever," "How to Beat the BOZOs: Dealing with difficult people without becoming one," and "Tame Your Teen: THE survival guide for parenting your teenager.

==> Founder and CEO of TheArticleGuy.com

==> Founder and CEO of SecretsofGreatRelationships.com

==> Founder and CEO of ParentingYourTeeanger.com

==> Founder and CEO of ToolsforSuccessfulLiving.com

==> President of BuildingYourIdealPractice.com

==> President of ConsciousDatingTallahassee.com