One reason we don't move forward and go in the same circle is, that we do not recognize a problem. It sometimes takes a few times going through the same struggle or trial to notice that there is a problem.

Once we realize the problem we don't know how to tackle it, or change it. Sometimes it's our behaviors that need to be changed, but we think that those behaviors are normal, but in fact they keep getting us into trouble, turmoil, or leave us feeling shamed, and having fear of ever getting out of this vicious circle that causes us more damage to our heart and even our mindsets.

We don't know how to plan or set goals, and even if we did, we would be afraid that we would fail. Why? Because of the negative thinking that goes on in our minds, due to fear and shame from the past. So, we have to learn how to change our way of thinking, and our behaviors.

We try to set goals that are not attainable, because we think of change as a microwaveable dish, and it's not that quick, it's not like instant oatmeal or 5 minute instant grits. We have to learn how to develop and set goals that are realistic and attainable, and we have to plan a time period.

The word of God says in Habakkuk (Amplified) 2:2-3 Then the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it plainly on tablets So that the one who reads it will run. 3. For the vision is yet for the appointed time it hurries toward the goal; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.

I had to realize once I got back into reading and studying the word of God that I had to make changes in my life. I needed to set goals, and write those goals and plans out. So I began to journal my thoughts, my aspirations, my trials, my struggles, I even wrote prayers for myself, of course this is when I recognized what those deep issues I had that were causing me to keep going in the same circle.

I remember reading II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Ephesians 4:22-24 To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Once I began to read the word of the Lord, changes did gradually start taking place, not all at once. It was baby steps and was I afraid? Yes! I began to see things differently, and I began to pray asking the Lord to help me in the arears of my wickness, my fears, help me to make better decisions and choices. I ask the Lord to guide my footsteps and to give me clear direction for my life.

I was afraid of the unknown, but I was also adventrous enough to make that leap. I had to step out of my comfort zone, hold my head up high without feeling shame and guilt from past hurts or mistakes that I had made. I needed to learn how to speak positive and reject the negativity that I was speaking to myself about my past and fear of failure. It was my negative thoughts that were sabotaging my growth, both mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our negative thinking can produce some very detrimental lies that will derail us from attaining the place that the Lord is directing us to.

Another way we stay in the same circle is that we don't have the proper tools to manage the change. Change requires patience, dedication, and instructions. We need to make sure that our thinking and behaviors will line up with the new instruction manual.

We also underestimate the process, we have to know that with major changes, there is bound to be mistakes. Just because mistakes happen doesn't mean that we have to give up, we just start over and trust the process, that the mistake happened to get our attention and keep us focused on the end results.