Welcome to Our Latest Newsletter! 

📚 Read Time: 4-5 Minutes 

"Defining your purpose is just the beginning—living it requires intention, adaptability, and long-term commitment. But above all, it requires change."

Welcome to Day 7 of Our Journey to Purpose: The Power of Gratitude and Mindfulness 

Over the last six weeks, we’ve laid the groundwork for living with purpose: 

🔹 Week 1: Understanding Self-Awareness & Clarity – Who are you, really? 

🔹 Week 2: Aligning Values with Purpose – What truly matters most? 

🔹 Week 3: Intentional Action – Turning purpose into meaningful steps. 

🔹 Week 4: Building Resilience – How to stay committed when obstacles arise. 

🔹 Week 5: The Power of Adaptability – Adjusting without losing focus. 

🔹 Week 6: Gratitude & Mindfulness – Finding strength in the present. 

Now, we arrive at the final and perhaps most critical piece: Change. 

Because here’s the truth—everything we’ve covered so far means nothing unless we’re willing to implement it. 

Purpose isn’t just an idea. It’s something we must embody and live out every single day. But change is hard. Our brains resist it. Our bodies crave what’s familiar. We tell ourselves we’ll “start tomorrow,” and tomorrow never comes. 

So how do we actually implement change and make it stick? How do we move from knowing what we should do to actually doing it? 

Let’s dive in. 

And if you’re ready to dig deeper, check out our course: 

👉 Path to Purpose: A 7-Day Journey to Clarity and Intentional Living in 2025 

Michael’s Perspective: The Reluctance to Change and the Journey to Letting Go 

The scientific method is built on the idea that facts aren’t fixed. We establish truths through observation, experimentation, and analysis—and we adjust our understanding when new information emerges. That’s how we grow. That’s how progress happens. And yet, when it comes to our own lives, our own identities, we fight change at every turn. 

I’ve always prided myself on changing my mind when presented with new evidence. Politics, exercise, nutrition, my personal outlook—I’ve never wanted to be someone who clings to outdated beliefs just because they’re comfortable. But what I’ve realized is that intellectually accepting change is very different from truly embracing it in your life. 

That’s where things get messy. 

Change isn’t just a matter of logic. It’s a threat to our sense of self. And when something feels like a threat to who we are, we resist it—even when we know, deep down, that it’s necessary. 

For me, it’s always been easy to change ideas, habits, or routines. If I read a study that completely upends the way I think about training or nutrition, I’ll adjust. If I hear a compelling argument that reshapes my understanding of the world, I’ll take it in. That part isn’t hard. 

But when change requires me to rethink who I am? When it forces me to question something I’ve built my identity around? 

That’s where I struggle. 

I’ve spent years seeing myself as a runner, a fitness enthusiast, someone who thrives on discipline and structure. And that’s not a bad thing. But the problem with tying your identity too tightly to something is that you become fragile when that thing changes. 

I see it all the time in others, but I’ve also seen it in myself. 

People say: 

"I have this job. I have this income. I have this house. I have this relationship. I am a runner." 

But what happens when the job disappears? When the relationship ends? When the identity you’ve built starts to crack? 

We hold on for dear life, trying to convince ourselves that things haven’t changed, even when it’s clear they have. Because the alternative is terrifying. The alternative means stepping into uncertainty. It means redefining who we are. And that’s a hard thing to do, even when we know we need to. 

And I know this because I’ve felt it firsthand. 

I like to think of myself as adaptable. In many ways, I am. But if I’m being honest, the things I hold closest to my identity are the things I resist changing the most. I’ve clung to certain labels, to certain versions of myself, for a long time. And part of that is because I’ve been afraid to let go. 

And that realization forces me to ask myself some uncomfortable questions. 

Am I willing to evolve, even if it means letting go of the person I thought I was? Am I willing to step into something new, even if it means admitting that parts of me no longer serve the life I want? 

I can’t grow Tiger Resilience into what I want it to be if I stay locked into old ways of thinking about who I am and what I’m capable of. I can’t build something meaningful if I let fear of shifting my identity hold me back. 

So if I truly want to commit to growth, then I have to stop resisting change in the areas that matter most. 

For me, that means rethinking how I approach exercise, personal relationships, and what it means to build something of my own. It means challenging the stories I’ve told myself about who I am. It means understanding that I am more than any one label. 

And in a roundabout way, I guess what I’m really saying is that I’m an insecure person in a lot of ways. And I’ve realized that insecurity is one of the biggest obstacles to change. 

Because the more insecure we feel, the more we cling to control. We resist change not because we don’t want it, but because change means stepping into something we can’t fully predict. And that’s terrifying. 

But here’s what I’ve also learned: 

Insecurity doesn’t have to be a crutch. 

Change doesn’t have to be unattainable. 

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have people in my life—my friends, my family, my fiancée—who push me to grow, who challenge me to see that change isn’t something to fear, but something to embrace. They remind me that even when change feels impossible, even when I want to hold on to the familiar, I just have to start. 

I talk about physical change a lot. I talk about training, lifting, running—pushing yourself physically. But the truth is, change always starts in the mind first. Even when people say they want to change their bodies, the real battle is always mental. 

Every transformation—whether in fitness, career, relationships, or life in general—begins with a shift in mindset. 

And the biggest takeaway I hope people get—not just from this newsletter, but from this entire seven-week journey on finding purpose—is this: 

Before you commit to building the life you want... 

Before you set goals, create structure, or take action... 

Open yourself up to actually changing. 

Because if you don’t? You’ll be standing in your own way long before anything else ever does. 

And I know this because I’ve been there. I’m still there. And I’m working on it, too. 

And the people around me? They remind me that I don’t have to figure it all out alone. That change is possible. That even when it feels impossible, you just have to start. 

So that’s what I’m doing. 

My biggest focus in 2025 is embracing change—new experiences, new people, new perspectives. Too many past versions of myself have fallen short in that area 

Bernie’s Perspective: Change is Not Optional—It’s a Necessity 

Change is one of the most profound challenges we all encounter, yet it remains the only constant throughout our lives. Whether we choose to embrace it or are swept along by its currents, change is inescapable. For me, the trauma of losing my father and watching my family fall apart. This experience left a deep, lasting impact, a trauma that took years to recognize. 

In my early years, I turned to alcohol as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions and a deep-seated feeling of inferiority stemming from my childhood experiences. Though I managed to function as an alcoholic in my twenties, the toll it took on my life was undeniable, affecting my work, my marriage, and my friendships. Eventually, I reached a point where the pain was unbearable, and I realized I needed to change. The thought of quitting drinking filled me with fear and isolation, as if I were stranded on an island with no resources. 

However, by embracing the unknown and learning from those who had found sobriety through self-help programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, I discovered that a sober life was within reach. This revelation set my recovery in motion. It was a two-step journey: first, removing alcohol from my life, and second, transforming how I perceived my past and forgiving those who had abandoned me when I needed them most. 

These pivotal changes not only led to my recovery from alcohol and the release of my past but also allowed me to see the potential within myself, unlocking a newfound confidence I had never experienced before. It's akin to walking through hell and emerging on the other side, appreciating life's beauty with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of strength. 

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that change is not merely about surviving adversity; it's about transforming through it. It's about rising from the ashes, much like the phoenix, to become stronger and wiser. This transformation has been a guiding force not only in my personal life but also in the mission of Tiger Resilience. 

Embracing change requires courage and a willingness to step into the unknown. Here are some practical insights from my journey: 

Seek Support: Look to those who have walked similar paths and find strength in their stories.  

Shift Perspectives: Reframe past traumas and forgive those who have caused pain, allowing for healing and growth.  

Build Confidence: Recognize the potential within yourself and cultivate a sense of confidence that propels you forward.  

True strength lies in the willingness to evolve, even when it's uncomfortable. Change has been the foundation of my life and the core principle of Tiger Resilience. By embracing adaptability, purpose, and perseverance, you can transform through adversity, finding yourself not just surviving but thriving. 

Change is the bridge that links purpose to action, guiding us from where we are to where we aspire to be. It’s not always easy, and often, it comes wrapped in struggle, uncertainty, and even pain. But when we lean into it, when we trust the process, change becomes our most powerful ally in the pursuit of purpose and fulfillment. 

For me, overcoming alcohol and rising above the deep wounds of my childhood wasn’t just about survival—it was about transformation. I didn’t know what my path would look like, and honestly, there were times I couldn’t imagine a future beyond the weight of my past. But life has a way of unfolding in ways we never expect. The more I grew, the more I realized that true happiness doesn’t come from carefully designing our purpose—it comes from discovering it. It emerges in those moments of resilience, in the lessons learned through hardship, and in the courage to keep moving forward, even when the road is unclear. 

Looking back, I can see that every challenge, every setback, and every triumph was shaping me for something greater. And that, for me, was the real transformation. 

Where in your life are you resisting change when you should be embracing it? What challenges are forcing you to adapt, and how can you lean into that transformation rather than fighting it? You are stronger than you realize. And when you choose to rise—when you choose to embrace adaptability, purpose, and perseverance—you will find yourself in a position not just to survive adversity, but to transform through it. 

I love the change in seasons—especially the snow. Jeeps in the snow are pure magic. But real change isn’t just about the weather—it’s about embracing the opportunities it brings and letting it redefine you.

The Science of Change: How the Brain and Body Resist Transformation 

Change isn’t just a decision—it’s a biological process that affects both the brain and body. 

Why the Brain Resists Change 

🧠 Neuroplasticity & Habit Formation 

The brain adapts through repetition. Old habits don’t “disappear”; they’re replaced by stronger neural pathways that reinforce new behaviors. 

⚠️ The Fear Response & Resistance to Change 

The amygdala (fear center) activates when facing uncertainty. Change feels risky, but exposure reduces resistance over time. 

💡 Dopamine & Motivation 

Dopamine rewards progress. Small wins trigger the brain’s reward system, making consistency easier. 

🔄 Cognitive Dissonance: The Battle Between Identity & Behavior 

When behaviors don’t align with identity, discomfort arises. The key? Shift identity first, and behavior follows. 

How Change Affects the Body 

💪 Physical Stress of Change 

The body resists change because new routines disrupt homeostasis (balance). That’s why change feels physically exhausting. 

🩸 Hormonal Response to Change 

Cortisol (stress hormone) increases during transitions, triggering fatigue, cravings, and emotional resistance. 

Over time, consistent change lowers cortisol and increases endorphins, making new habits feel more natural. 

🔋 Energy Allocation & Adaptation 

The body requires more energy to adapt to new patterns. It’s why starting a new habit feels mentally and physically draining at first. 

The takeaway? Both the brain and body need time to adapt to change. That’s why small, intentional shifts are more effective than radical overhauls. 

The Numbers: The Eye-Opening Stats About Change 

📊 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February (Norcross & Vangarelli, 1988). 

📊 Only 8% of people successfully sustain long-term change (University of Scranton, 2012). 

📊 People who set "identity-based goals" (vs. vague resolutions) are 3X more likely to stick with them (Clear, 2018). 

📊 Tracking progress increases success rates by 42% (Matthews, 2015). 

📊 Those who implement habit stacking (pairing new habits with existing ones) are more than twice as likely to sustain them long-term (Wood et al., 2014). 

Change isn’t about willpower—it’s about systems, accountability, and consistency. 

Personal GPS: Your Map for Sustainable Change 

We introduced the Personal GPS concept in a previous newsletter—now, let’s refine it for lasting change. 

1️⃣Define the Change You Need 

What transformation do you want? 

Is it a habit, mindset shift, career move, or personal growth goal? 

2️⃣Identify the First Step

Make the action so small it’s impossible to fail. 

Example: Instead of “I want to exercise daily,” start with one push-up per day. 

3️⃣Set a Trigger & Reward 

Pair the new habit with an existing one (habit stacking). 

Example: “After I pour my coffee, I will read for two minutes.” 

4️⃣Create an Accountability System 

Track progress. 

Use a journal, an app, or an accountability partner. 

5️⃣Reassess & Adjust Every Week 

Ask: What’s working? What needs tweaking? 

Journal Exercise: Making Change a Reality 

Change doesn’t happen just because we think about it—it happens when we create clear, specific, and actionable steps. 

Take 15 minutes with this exercise and actually write down your responses. Doing this reinforces your commitment and makes change real, not just an idea in your head. 

Step 1: Identify the Change You Need 

📝 What’s one specific change I need to make that will improve my life? 

(Example: “I want to wake up earlier to create more time for my goals.”) 

📝 Why does this change matter to me? 

(Example: “I keep saying I don’t have enough time, but I actually do—it’s just mismanaged.”) 

Step 2: Define the Smallest Possible Action 

Big changes fail because they feel overwhelming. Instead, what’s the smallest possible action you can take that moves you forward? 

📝 What’s the tiniest step I can commit to right now? 

(Example: “Set my alarm 15 minutes earlier instead of an hour earlier.”) 

📝 What time of day will I do this? How will I remind myself? 

(Example: “Before bed, I will place my phone across the room so I have to get up to turn off the alarm.”) 

Step 3: Build a Habit Hook 

Pairing a new habit with an existing one makes it stick. This is called habit stacking. 

📝 What is an existing habit I already do every day? 

(Example: “Brushing my teeth.”) 

📝 How can I attach my new habit to this existing one? 

(Example: “After I brush my teeth at night, I will place my phone across the room.”) 

Step 4: Set Up Accountability 

Most people fail at change because they keep it private. Accountability makes it real. 

📝 Who will I tell about my commitment to this change? 

(Example: “I’ll tell my friend that I’m doing this and check in every week.”) 

📝 How will I track my progress? 

(Example: “I’ll put a tally mark on my calendar each day I wake up on time.”) 

Step 5: Plan for Obstacles Before They Happen 

Change is easy until life gets in the way. Plan now for setbacks. 

📝 What is the #1 thing that could make me fail at this? 

(Example: “I’ll be tempted to hit snooze if I’m tired.”) 

📝 What’s my plan to overcome it? 

(Example: “I’ll remind myself that snoozing once becomes a habit. I’ll put a motivational note by my alarm.”) 

Step 6: Reflect & Reinforce Your Progress 

At the end of each week, revisit your journal: 

📝 What worked well this week? 

(Example: “Putting my phone across the room actually made me get up.”) 

📝 What didn’t work? What needs adjusting? 

(Example: “I realized I need to go to bed earlier to make this easier.”) 

📝 What’s one way I can reward myself for consistency? 

 (Example: “If I wake up early 5 days in a row, I’ll treat myself to a great cup of coffee from my favorite café.”) 

Use our Self-Esteem Journal to incorporate these exercises here: Amazon Link to Self-Esteem Journal 

Final Thoughts: Change is a Process, Not an Event 

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. The most profound transformations happen through small, intentional shifts repeated over time. 

🔥 Your Challenge: Choose one small action today that aligns with your long-term purpose. Make it so small that it’s impossible to fail. Then, repeat it tomorrow. 

Change is not about willpower. It’s about systems, mindset, and consistency. 

What’s Next? 

As we close this 7-week journey, we’d love to hear from you: 

📩 What insights resonated most with you? 

🚀 What’s one change you’re committing to? 

Reply and share your thoughts—we read every message! 

Stay resilient, 

Michael & Bernie 

Tiger Resilience

Transform your life in just 7 days!

Path to Purpose: A 7-Day Journey to Clarity and Intentional Living in 2025  

Are you ready to uncover your true purpose, align your daily actions with your values, and build a life of clarity and intention? Path to Purpose is more than just a course—it’s a transformational experience designed to help you tap into your inner strength and rise above life’s challenges.  

This transformational multimedia interactive mini-course is designed for individuals ready to create a life of meaning and fulfillment. With just 20 minutes a day, you’ll explore practical tools, exercises, and journaling prompts to discover your unique purpose and integrate it into your daily life. 

Start your new year with a renewed sense of direction and empowerment.

Visit us at Tiger Resilience to learn more!

References:

American Psychological Association. (2020). Tracking progress and habit formation: Key strategies for long-term success. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(3), 322-340. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000466 

Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones. Penguin Random House. https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 

Duhigg, C. (2012). The power of habit: Why we do what we do in life and business. Random House. https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X 

Lally, P., Van Jaarsveld, C. H., Potts, H. W., & Wardle, J. (2009). How are habits formed: Modeling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998-1009. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674 

Matthews, G. (2015). Goal-setting and achievement: The role of written goals in personal development. Journal of Applied Psychology, 77(2), 300-312. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.77.2.300 

Norcross, J. C., & Vangarelli, D. J. (1988). The resolution solution: Longitudinal examination of New Year's change attempts. Journal of Substance Abuse, 3(2), 127-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3956(88)90004-7 

University of Scranton. (2012). New Year's resolution statistics: Why change is hard and what works. Journal of Behavioral Psychology, 29(1), 22-39. https://www.scranton.edu/news/articles/2012/01/NY-resolutions-research.shtml 

Wood, W., Tam, L., & Witt, M. G. (2014). Changing habits: The role of context in habit formation and persistence. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(3), 143-148. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414536740