Are You Living Transactionally or Transformationally?
Mar 28, 2024
Written by: Joe Jardine
This week's podcast is a deep dive into this question: are you living transactionally or transformationally? But for our readers we wanted to give not just a sneak peak into that conversation but a head start in this important question.
It's easy to get lost in the everyday motions of life. We go through the day-to-day tasks, not really questioning why we're doing them or what impact they have on our lives. This is called living transactionally. On the other hand, transformational living is based on identifying purpose and seeing beyond our day-to-day lives. It's a way of living that is focused on serving others and making a difference in the world.
1. Transactional living vs. transformational living
It's easy to get lost in the everyday motions of life. We go through the day-to-day tasks, not really questioning why we're doing them or what impact they have on our lives. This is called living transactionally.
On the other hand, transformational living is based on understanding "why" we do things and seeing beyond our day-to-day lives. It's a way of living that is focused on serving others and making a difference in the world.
So what's the difference between these two ways of living? Let's take a closer look.
Transactional living is based on "what," transformational living is based on the "why"
In transactional living, we go through the motions without really understanding why we're doing them. We just do what's expected of us and don't question it. This can lead to a sense of emptiness or pointlessness in life.
Transformational living, on the other hand, is based on understanding the "why" behind our actions. We ask ourselves why we're doing something and what impact it will have on our lives and the world around us. This helps us to see the value in what we're doing and to find meaning in our lives.
Transactional living is a highway to burnout.
2. The benefits of living transformationally
So why should you bother with transformational living? There are actually quite a few benefits to this way of life.
- Transformational living helps us to find meaning in our lives. When we understand the "why" behind our actions, we can see the value in what we're doing and feel more motivated to do it. This can lead to a sense of fulfillment that is missing from transactional living.
- Transformational living allows us to serve others more effectively. When we live for ourselves, we are limited in how much we can help others. But when we live for others, we can make a real difference in their lives. This is because our actions are based on love and not just on what's convenient for us.
- Transformational living is a more sustainable way of life. When we live for ourselves, we eventually burn out because we're not getting anything back in return. But when we live for others, we are constantly being renewed by the love and grace that we receive from them. This makes it possible for us to keep going even when times are tough.
3. How to make the shift from transactional to transformational living
If you're ready to make the shift from transactional to transformational living, there are a few things that you can do.
- Start by identifying your "why." Why do you want to make this change? What is your motivation for doing so? When you have a clear understanding of your reasons for making the switch, it will be easier for you to stick with it.
- Begin simplifying your life. Transactional living is all about doing more and more things until we eventually burn out. But transformational living is about doing fewer things but doing them with more intentionality and love. So start by taking a close look at your schedule and commitments and simplify where you can.
- Focus on building relationships. Transactional living is based on transactions, but transformational living is based on relationships. So start investing in the relationships that are important to you and focus on making them deeper and more meaningful.
Making the shift from transactional to transformational living can be a challenge, but it's worth it. This way of life has the potential to change your life for the better and to make a positive impact on those around you. So if you're ready for a change, don't hesitate to give it a try. You might just find that it's exactly what you've been looking for.
Do you struggle with anxiety in ways you can no longer handle?
You can't keep track of the number of panic attacks you've had this week. You feel like you're drowning all the time and the only thing that can stop the feeling is sleep. So you try to sleep, but your racing thoughts keep you awake. And when you finally do fall into slumber, it doesn't take long before you're awake again and that drowning feeling returns. You're lucky if you have a minute of calm before the storm hits again.
