We all have a default disposition, that “go-to” mood or attitude we tend to carry with us without much thought. For me, I like to think my default is one of peace and relaxation. After all, who doesn’t want to be the peaceful person who just lets things roll off their back, right? But the truth is, I can be stressed, negative, and demanding, and not always in the most graceful ways. It’s like I have this emotional rollercoaster that starts with a dip in patience and ends with a “what the heck is going on?!” moment.

I was listening to a sermon recently, and Pastor Jason asked a profound question that hit me hard: “What’s your default?” And if you’re like me, that question can make you pause. Because if your default is a bit less than desirable, you have to ask yourself: Can it be changed?

Can Our Default Be Changed?

The short answer is: yes, but it’s not going to be as easy as clicking a button. Changing your default is a process. It takes awareness, intention, and a whole lot of patience. And let’s be honest, that’s the tough part.

First, you have to become aware of what your default is. I mean, really aware. And trust me, this is no easy feat. It’s hard to look in the mirror and realize that your default reaction might not be the most flattering. You know, the one where you snap when you shouldn’t, or get stressed over things that aren’t worth stressing about? Yeah, that one.

“You can’t change what you are not willing to see.” – Steven Hedgecoth (I quoted myself, lol)

Ugh. That’s a tough truth. It’s easier to point out other people’s flaws than our own, but growth happens when we’re willing to look at ourselves honestly—even the parts we don’t like.

The Power of Being Intentional

Once you see it, the next step is being intentional about changing it. Now, this is where the magic (and the hard work) happens. It’s not about trying to be someone else. It’s about being your true self and trying something different. Intentionality means making a conscious choice to choose a different reaction. It means not just “reacting” to situations but deciding how you want to respond.

The key here is baby steps. You don’t have to change everything overnight. Just a small tweak in how you handle one situation can lead to a significant shift over time. It’s the little wins that build up and make a bigger difference.

And remember, it’s going to take time. Be patient with yourself. Just because you didn’t respond perfectly today doesn’t mean you won’t get better tomorrow. It’s about progress, not perfection.

We Are New Creations in Christ

The great news is, we don’t have to stay stuck in our defaults. Scripture reminds us that through Christ, we are new creations, and that transformation is possible:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

In Christ, we have the power to transform our habits, attitudes, and reactions. With God’s help, we can let go of old patterns and embrace the new life He offers.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Big

If you don’t like your default, start with awareness. Own it, then slowly work to change it by being intentional. And most importantly—don’t expect perfection. Change takes time, but with patience, we can slowly rewrite our default disposition into one that reflects the best version of ourselves.

So, what’s your default? And are you ready to do the work it takes to change it? Let me know in the comments!