Pop art grid of Marilyn Monroe portraits by Andy Warhol in bold colors

They always say time changes things

They Always Say Time Changes Things – But Do We?

By Joanne Reed

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”

– Andy Warhol

It’s a quote that sounds deceptively simple, but it holds more truth than a hundred motivational posters combined. Time doesn’t do anything. It just ticks. It doesn’t fix your career, heal your heartbreak, or spark that creative project you keep dreaming about. That’s on you.

In this article, we’re diving into that elusive beast called change—why it’s hard, how we wait too long for it, and how to actually make it happen. Along the way, we’ll tackle some of the internet’s most popular questions, like how can I change my thoughts? and how can you move things with your mind? (Spoiler: not literally, but we’ll come close.)


Time Change Quotes Are Everywhere—But Are They Helping?

Let’s face it, “quotes about time” are everywhere. From clocks to calendars to coffee mugs, we love to romanticize time like it’s some wise old friend. But many time change quotes are little more than poetic procrastination.

Quote by Caroline Myss: "Time changes nothing unless you do" over a rainy window background
Time doesn’t change you—your actions do. Caroline Myss says it straight.

Warhol, ever the pop art rebel, gave us one of the few uplifting quotes about change that actually challenges the reader. Don’t wait. Don’t wish. Act.


Quotes About Time Wasters – And Why You Might Be One

Here’s a hard truth: waiting for things to magically shift is just another form of time-wasting. You’re not alone if you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll start next week,” or “The timing isn’t right.” But as Warhol hinted, change doesn’t show up on your doorstep with a bouquet and a smoothie. You’ve got to do the work.

“Quotes about time wasters” often point fingers at social media or Netflix binges, but we rarely ask the tougher question: Am I the one wasting my own time?


How Can I Change My Thoughts?

This is where things get interesting. You can’t change your external world without first shifting your internal one. So, how can I change my thoughts?

Start by noticing the script you’ve been running. Are you stuck in “I’m not good enough” or “It’s too late for me”? Flip the script—literally. Replace it with something else, something kinder and more curious: “What if I tried and it worked?”

Small shifts in thinking create ripples. And ripples create waves.


Quotes About Embracing Change (Without the Fear)

Change is scary. We know this. But it’s also the door to anything good that’s ever happened to anyone. Falling in love? Change. Launching a business? Change. Finally ditching that toxic job or partner? All change.

Silhouette of a woman sitting in a circular light box with quote: “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
Warhol nailed it—waiting for change won’t cut it. You have to make the move.

That’s why quotes about embracing change are so popular—they give us courage. But quotes aren’t magic. You still have to lace up your boots (or roller skates) and take the first step.


Change Quotes Funny – Because If You Don’t Laugh, You’ll Cry

Sometimes, the only way to survive change is to laugh at it.

  • “Change is inevitable. Except from a vending machine.”
  • “They say change is good. So why does it feel like a bad haircut?”

Change quotes funny enough to make you chuckle also serve another purpose—they defuse the fear. When we laugh at what we can’t control, we regain a little power over it.


Quotes About Change at Work – Your 9-to-5 Isn’t Safe Either

We like to think of jobs as stable and secure, but in reality, they’re evolving faster than your streaming recommendations. AI, automation, restructuring—it’s a lot.

That’s why quotes about change at work can be both terrifying and necessary. The best ones don’t romanticize it. They remind us that adaptability is the real job security.

“Be indispensable—not because of what you know, but because of how you grow.”


How Can You Move Things with Your Mind?

Let’s play with this idea. You can’t levitate your stapler (probably), but you can absolutely move your future with your mindset.

Your thoughts steer your actions. Your actions shape your reality. So if you want to move things with your mind, start thinking differently. Get strategic. Get bold. Get weird.


Time Changes When You Do

Ever notice how time moves differently depending on your mood or environment? When you’re inspired, a day flies by. When you’re miserable, a minute drips like honey.

Woman in white dress walking away from car with quote overlay: "Your thoughts are the architects of your change"
Your mind builds the life you live. Time only passes—you have to design your next move.

Time changes when you change your relationship to it. Stop fighting the clock and start working with it. Make it your dance partner, not your jailer.


Final Thought: Change Happens When You Do

Andy Warhol didn’t wait for change—he was the change. He changed the art world, the definition of celebrity, and even his own name. He invented his persona. And you can, too.

Let’s revisit that quote one last time:

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”

So stop waiting. Write the email. Book the ticket. Take the risk. Your time won’t change a thing—unless you do.


Got a favorite quote about change? Or better yet, a personal story about how you stopped waiting and started acting?

Drop it in the comments—I want to hear your Warhol moment.



💬 “If this sparked something inside you, don’t keep it to yourself. Drop me a thought, share it with a curious friend, read some more, or just come back soon. The Quest continues…”:

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19 Comments

  1. “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” So True. I call it processing, composting, metabolizing our feelings about our experiences. It’s like each one of us is this great work of living art and when we process our feelings, the art gets to shine bright. And when we don’t, we are hidden under bushells of grey and dark.

  2. Hey Joanne, I saw you liked my comment but you didn’t “approve it” so it’s not showing up here… I was going to write something else in response and couldn’t find it 🙂

    1. Hey Debbie. Thank you for your comments. I think I approved all the comments. Will double check later. Busy day today. Currently at my daughter’s school to help set up all the decorations for Seniors’ graduation ceremony tomorrow! So excited this is happening for real and not online! Class of 2020 had it rough this year so we are trying to make sure they finish the year on a positive and memorable note.

  3. I love this quote, thank you for sharing. I’ve been thinking and having civil conversations on two specific events that happed in Minnesota and New York City this week. This quote encapsulates my thoughts.

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