Written By: Craig Warrian
In the “weight loss/health and wellness industry” I often say we’re trying to play “2 games” (though they’re not really games). These so-called games are hormone management and change management. In this article, we’re going to dive into the latter, change management.
Do you want some kind of change in your life? Perhaps it is to own a home, buy a new car, learn how to play the guitar, meet someone new, lose weight etc.? If so, get ready to embrace change.
I am sure you have heard the saying “we’re creatures of habit”, and indeed we are. We like repeatability, predictability and standard rhythms. Take us out of our comfortable “routine” and watch us push back almost instantly. The challenge is, if we want change in our lives, we need to adopt change.
If that is all it takes to get what we ultimately want, why do we not just simply change, and in turn get everything we desire? Simply put, because change is hard. There are many reasons as to why we resist changing our behaviours, so let us take a look at a few key fundamental reasons why we resist change:
- Negative Emotions Drive Us: While one might think that strong negative emotions such as fear, regret, guilt and shame would be key drivers towards long lasting change, the opposite is unfortunately true. Negative thoughts and emotions, may point out our faults and the things we should be doing, but it is not a recipe for long term positive change. Those same thoughts may bring the initial ideas of change to the forefront, but until we put the power of positivity, support, love etc. behind them, we will not have long term success. Always remember, “YOU ARE WORTH IT”. You are worth the hassle, the struggle, the pain, the anguish… and the success, the joy, the enjoyment and the elation of achieving your goals.
- All or Nothing Belief: How often have you tried to make a positive change in your life and things are going well, to all of a sudden succumb to temptation and then feel flooded with the thought of “I’m a failure, I can’t do it!” and we give up? One deviation from the plan, and we feel that all is lost. For many of us, this all or nothing headspace is a no-win situation. The likelihood of you taking on a significant change and having a slip up along your journey of change is almost 100%. Therefore, one of the first things you have to kick to the curb is the thinking of “all or nothing”. If you want to make substantial, successful lifelong change, one stumble cannot stop you from finishing the race.
- Bite More Than You Can Chew: Transformative change is a big deal. It is one of, if not the biggest challenge we will face in our lives. Therefore, do not underestimate it. Too often, the changes we take on feel incredibly BIG and… heavy. Lighten the load with smaller and very specific and measurable goal(s). Rather than just saying “I want to lose weight” or “I want to lose 20, 40, 80, 100 pounds etc.”, replace big and vague with small and specific. Perhaps try “I’m going to lose 5 lbs by the end of the month, by walking after work 4 times per week”. It is a small enough goal, with an achievable timeframe and a bite-size method. If you like, take a peek at one of our previous articles for more information on goal setting (click here).
- Right Tools For The Job: No matter the challenge you are taking on, changing a faucet, cleaning your BBQ, power washing the deck or trying to lose a few pounds, you will need the right tools for the job to make the difference. Most of us do not think twice when it comes to using the right tools when we take on a project around the house. Why would it be any different when we are taking on a project focused on self-improvement? The tools may be different but having the right tools can make all the difference. A supportive partner, the right information and a coach are all great tools for being successful if weight loss is your chosen change (amongst many other changes). Lean on others, set expectations, be clear and use the tools around you. You are never alone!
- Don’t Take On Too Much: One small change long term is admirable. It takes a lot to make even a small change and make it stick long term. Therefore, piling on change after change after change is a sure-fire way to be overwhelmed and fail on all desired changes. Think about it, our mechanisms of change are limited. We only have a limited amount of focus, will power, motivation etc. If you adopt too much change at once, those resources will be taxed quickly. Therefore, if your change is to lose body fat (for example), focus on that specifically and don’t try and layer on too much (join a gym, start running, get a dog as a running partner, become vegan, buy a $5,000 mountain bike … I think you get the picture). Keep this in mind, take on small and manageable change to get your desired results and be CONSISTENT.
- Failure Is Part Of The Process: If you’ve tried to adopt meaningful change and failed… welcome to the club. Part of the process of change is failure. The sooner we can adopt and accept failure as part of the process, the quicker we can move past our stumbles and stay on our new path. If failure is part of the journey, we also need to appreciate the journey itself. Change happens in stages. It is not simply flipping a switch and voila. Stages of change include: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, failure, reaction and maintenance. Fall in love with the journey, the results are worth it and you are worth the effort.
- Commit: Last, but certainly not least, is the simple step of commitment. Without committing to the change, all of the other steps, understanding and beliefs won’t really matter. We need a strong understanding of what we are after and how we are going to achieve it. Start here, make a strong commitment to a change and you are already laying out a path of success!
In summary, remember to commit strongly to a desired result. Take on a manageable amount of change that will allow you to achieve your goal. Lasting change is not going to come from a place of negativity or a “all or nothing” attitude. Also remember that failure is part of the process and without it, the change would not be worth it. Help is out there, use the tools that are available to you… you are not on this journey alone. EWYN Studios is here to be an extra tool or two in your toolbelt. Reach out to your EWYN health coach to help streamline and re-focus your desired change.
YOU ARE WORTH IT!
