07 Nov How to Move Your 800 Pound Boulder
November 7, 2011
Have you ever felt as stuck as when an 800 pound boulder fell on Aron Ralston’s arm, trapping him against the canyon wall?
If you don’t know his story, Aron was out hiking alone in Utah in 2003 when this happened, and after trying everything to get unstuck for 4 days, he finally removed his arm with his own knife…the only way he could be set free.
While I’ve never been in that desperate of a situation, I’ve definitely experienced my share of boulder-like entrapment. Everyone has. Think of an area right now where you most want to see change, but which doesn’t seem to budge. If you need help, pick from the following list:
- a relationship that won’t change
- a personal pattern you can’t get beyond
- disordered eating
- weight challenges
- disappointment with circumstances
- child-raising problems
- health issues
I have been stuck in some way in every area on the above list during some period of my time on this planet. But I’ve also been blessed to find ways to see the boulders move and to experience change. The following are my Top Five for getting unstuck:
1. Decide to be determined. Decide to fight this thing like a tiger until you see change and growth. You’re probably weary from trying different things that didn’t work. So rally yourself and go back into the ring until you win. One thing that really helps with this is to…
2. Get help. You can’t fight this alone if you want to see change. Whether it’s a friend, a counselor, a support group, or all of these, get ideas and motivation from regular conversations about your area of stuckness. Also…
3. Get rid of what is toxic and add what is healthy. What in your overall life is wearing you down, draining you of energy you need to fight in this arena? Things like harmful attitudes, unhealthy perspectives, toxic relationships, unwise media choices, unhealthy foods. Is there a particular toxin robbing you of energy for this area you’re about to tackle? Then, what do you need to add for health and energy in this fight? Things like positive people, nourishing books and media, healthy foods, fun hobbies and activities, exercise, vitamins and minerals, and healthy input. Add what will make you strong for moving your boulder. Next,
4. Try new things. You know the definition of stupidity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. We all do that!! So when you’re stuck, seek out new approaches. Do research, talk to others, be open, bold, and brave. Finally, and most importantly,
5. Draw on God’s power and resources. Pray for yourself in your area of need, and enlist others to do so. Find Bible passages that motivate and inform you regarding your desired change target, and think about them regularly.
To get you started, here’s one of my favorites:
“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.” Isaiah 42:16
So get started on your boulder with God!