Does it seem like when you set out to change, make healthy lifestyle changes, something always happens to set you back?
Well, I have experienced this many times. Sometimes I mess up by eating food that I know is not good for me. And when it comes to following an exercise routine, I do good for a time, then I start slacking.
In order to make change we must realize that change is not easy and that it can sometimes be a struggle. Preparation is key to not giving up so quickly.
Challenges, struggles and not believing that change is possible is natural. If you accept that change is good and that it is not an easy thing to do, then no matter what comes up you will follow through with those changes.
I see people making the same changes over and over, but they never get anywhere. In other words, they move a little and then they fall back into doing what they are comfortable doing. Then they repeat the process again.
The only way to not keep repeating the same thing, especially when you know it is a challenge, is to get your mind right. If you free your mind, the rest will follow.
Come to grips with realizing that nothing and no one will hinder your progress in making changes. Once you get this rooted in your mind then change will come.
A Few Quotes About Change
- If there is no struggle, there is no progress. – Frederick Douglass
- Always remember that the future comes one day at a time. – Dean Acheson
- Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. – Arnold Bennett
- For changes to be of any true value they’ve got to be lasting and consistent. – Tony Robbins
- To change a habit, make a conscious decision, then act out the new behavior. – Maxwell Maltz
- For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something. – Steve Jobs
- I really believe the only way to stay healthy is to eat properly, get your rest and exercise. If you don’t exercise and do the other two, I still don’t think it’s going to help you that much. – Mike Ditka
Final Words
Change is good, but sometimes the struggle of the change causes you to not see the change to fruition. When you challenge yourself to make changes, know that change is not easy.
Stick with it and your change will come!
Image courtesy of Wiangya / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Change is hard, but it is possible. The thing to know about change is that we naturally resist change to something we have been doing for a long time, even when the change is good. Our mind and bodies identities are built on sustained patterns, whether the patterns are good or bad. To change the pattern, another pattern has to be established, and this pattern needs to have legs. A change for two weeks is usually not going to be enough. A change for 6 months may be enough to establish a new pattern, and the new pattern can’t be established without determination. One thing to remember, is that if you mess up, don’t worry about it. As soon as you mess up and realize it, start your new pattern again. Messing up is part of the progress, and you only have to increase the time you are on your new pattern between mess ups, and then just continue to strive. You can find more information to complement this article, on Change.
Hi Aqiyl!
You’re right about messing up and it being a start of the progress. Keeping this in mind helps us to not give up, but to keep striving.
Thanks for chiming in!
OMG yes, change is very difficult! Like you said, you gotta believe it can happen and keeping your eye on the prize and the additional gifts that tend to come with the attainment of the prize helps a lot.
I need to do Jen’s water challenge as well! 🙂
Glad to see you back Sis!!
Heeey Msfullroller!!!
Can’t you tell I’m happy you stopped by? 🙂
Yes, keeping our eyes on the prize truly helps.
Take care,
Evelyn
I know just what you mean. I’ve had a challenge with consistently drinking water for as long as I can remember but I’m not giving up. I’ve started a 30 Day Water Challenge on my blog today to help keep me and whoever wants to join accountable. I’m just not going to give up on establishing that water habit. I can and will succeed.
Hi Jenn,
Don’t give up, hang in there. As long as you have the can do attitude, you will succeed.
I need to do this challenge too. 😉
Good to see you and take care!!
Evelyn