At the end of last year, you sat down, wrote your goals and decided on your resolutions for the new year. You started off strong. But now it’s January 26th, and you’re struggling. You’ve already stopped at Chik-fil-A four times this month already, half the produce for your meal prepping has already gone bad and some of the new workout clothes you bought still have tags on them…and where are those damn exercise sneakers?!? Is that just me?
Change. Is. Hard.
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably tried to make a habit change at some point in your life, only to find that it’s harder than it seems. Why is it so difficult to stick to our good intentions? But get this. It has less to do with willpower and more to do with our mindset. In order to make lasting change, we need to shift our thinking in the following ways:
1. From “I have to” to “I get to”
When we view our habits as something we must do, it feels like a chore. This can lead to resentment and eventually cause us to give up altogether. We don’t want that. However, when we view our habits as something we get to do—something that’s beneficial for us—we’re much more likely to stick with it (I talk about it little more in this blog).. After all, who doesn’t like getting things done? It’s all about the outlook.
2. From “this is hard” to “this is worth it”
It’s easy to get discouraged when we’re trying something new and it’s not going as smoothly as we’d hoped. When that happens, we pause, take a deep breath and remind ourselves that the effort is worth the reward and push through the tough times. A visual cue, like a cute sign with encouraging words or a post-it note can also help. Yes, making a habit change can be hard work, but it’s worth it in the end.
3. From “I’m not sure I can do this” to “I know I can do this”
Self-doubt is a major obstacle on the road to success. If we don’t believe in ourselves, it won’t be easy to make any progress. On the other hand, if we approach our goals confidently, we’re much more likely to achieve them. So instead of letting doubt creep in, take a moment to remind yourself of the last time you did something hard. Then tell yourself, “I know I can do this.” Because you definitely can!
4. From “I’m doing this for myself” to “I’m doing this for others”
It’s important that we nurture our relationships with others; one way of doing that is by ensuring we’re taking care of ourselves. Although some may not agree, it’s more likely to follow through when we focus on how our actions will benefit those around us—rather than just ourselves. For example, if you’re trying to eat healthier, think about how your body will feel better and how you’ll have more energy for your loved ones.
5. From “I’m doing this until…” to “I’m doing this forever”
When we see our habit changes as temporary measures, it’s easy to fall off the wagon when things get tough. But if we commit to making these changes permanent fixtures in our lives, we’re much more likely to stay the course. So instead of thinking of your new diet as something you’re doing until you lose weight, think of it as “this is a lifestyle change and I’m taking it one day at a time.” The same goes for exercise, sleep habits, and any other area you want to improve.
Making lasting habit changes can be difficult, but it’s possible. I’ve heard it said this way “choose your hard” because either way,whether you do the thing, or not, it’s going to be hard. By shifting our mindset in the ways outlined above, we can set ourselves up for success. So next time you’re trying to make a change in your life, remember these five tips and see how they help you achieve your goals.
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– Coach BelJo
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