Change never takes place in a vacuum. As you move through the checkpoints of excellence, you will find that your growth will begin to impact your relationships. This impact may be negative in some instances yet positive in others.

If you've not lived in your zone until now, you may act and look different to those who know you well. This may create a range of dissonance in your relationships. Some people won't like the fact that you are changing and may feel pressured to change their own lives, or that it threatens their existence. As the saying goes: "it's not that we don't like change. we don't like BEING changed." Your growth means they will have to adapt the way they interact with you. Your journey of excellence may even take you in a different direction than those you've been traveling with.

Your growth will be questioned by some. They may ask why there was a need for change. When you feel the desire to push away from them keep in mind that they are your greatest assets, especially in the early stages of your journey. You may become discouraged by these interactions, but it's important to look for the grains of truth in what they are saying. They may actually be the voice of reason. Sift through their words, though you may need to disregard most of them to pull out the diamonds in the soil.

Others in your life may see the benefit of your growth which could also challenge them in their pursuit of excellence. These connections are invaluable and create an environment where you continue to grow and push each other along the journey. Psalm 27:17 speaks to this type of relationship when it says, "as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another". The relationships that remain in this category are pivotal in your journey of excellence. 

 Action Step

• Evaluate your relationships over the course of your journey of excellence. In which category do those relationships fall? Have they changed over time?
• Take notice of how your own growth/change impacted those around you.
• Search for grains of truth in conversations with those who question your growth.
• Find the "cheerleaders" in your life and invest in encouraging each other in your pursuit of excellence.

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