> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://achronicvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Secret of Change: Spend Your Energy Wisely with Chronic Illness - URL: https://achronicvoice.com/secret-of-change/ - Published: 2017-01-19T14:03:14.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-21T16:23:21.000Z - Author: Sheryl Chan - Tags: Chronic Illness, Personal Development, Self-Care ## A Quote That Kick-Starts My "Fight" Mode (in the Good Way) Something about this quote on the secret of change helps to shift my brain into 'soldier mode' on demand. It is a tap on my shoulder as I'm gazing behind with drunken, romance laden eyes. It jerks me back to the present moment, and reminds me to focus on what's ahead. *\*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. *I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice.* Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding *any* new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our* [***Privacy Policy***](https://achronicvoice.com/privacy-policy/) *page for more information. Thank you!* Pin to Your Secret of Change & Chronic Illness Life Boards: ![The Secret of Change: Spend Your Energy Wisely with Chronic Illness](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/secret-of-change-spend-energy-wisely-with-chronic-illness.jpg) ![“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” - Socrates](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/secret-change-socrates-quote.jpg) “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” - Socrates ## The Secret of Change - Ruthless Prioritising Chronic illness is a monster consumer of energy, leaving little to none to spare. Why waste it on unnecessary thoughts and unchangeable circumstances? So I ask myself, "what can I do to make things better? Is there [**something I'd like to create** ](https://achronicvoice.com/fun-things-to-do-while-recovering-from-surgery/)for myself today? How can I become a better person?" I [**nudge the fear of pain aside**](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-unpredictable-dont-fear-unknown/), and focus on my task at hand. The self judgmental voice in my head says, "look how slow you are. What's the point of even starting?" And I tell it to shut up. ## Moving Forward by Focusing on What I Can Do I often frustrate myself for no good reason, chaining myself to linear time, or illusionary ways of living. I fail more than I succeed, but I want to try again. We need to [**keep working on our future**](https://achronicvoice.com/next-level-life/), bit by bit, brick by brick. There is no other way, especially not for those of us who are already slower to begin with. So just keep focussing on strengthening the new thing that you're headed for, even if it's in an infantile position. Forget about the old baggage - how great you once were, or how shitty your life has been. Just move forward. ## Sign Up for My Free Newsletter Be the first to get the latest post updates in your inbox, and unlock the comments section. You will also receive an e-book full of uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations as a token of appreciation! [Browse more membership plans here](#/portal/), or [make a one-off donation](https://ghost.achronicvoice.com/#/portal/support) instead. Sign Up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Read Related Posts: - [Life is a Long Process of Becoming Into…](https://achronicvoice.com/life-is-a-long-process-of-becoming-into/) - [It is \*Always\* Possible to Make Time for What Matters Most](https://achronicvoice.com/make-time-what-matters-most/) - [You Don’t Have to be Strong, Just a Little Stronger Than Before](https://achronicvoice.com/you-dont-have-to-be-strong/) - [Give Your Best Anyway, Even When You’re Feeling Depressed](https://achronicvoice.com/give-your-best-even-when-feeling-depressed/) - [Are You a Capable Person? What Does That Even Mean?](https://achronicvoice.com/capable-person-meaning/) Pin to Pin to Your Personal Development & Self-Awareness Boards: ![The Secret of Change: Spend Your Energy Wisely with Chronic Illness. (A quote that helps me to move forward).](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/pin_secret-change-3.jpg) ### Comments Archives: Comments imported from previous WordPress site. - Kirsten Jan 21, 2019 Love this! So true and a great reminder for all spoonies. - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Jan 21, 2019 Thanks Kirsten! Yes sometimes I need to look things from this perspective myself 🙂 **Start a new conversation in the Member Comments below!**