As a person who spends countless hours talking with clients, I often hear them say change is hard. Whether it's making a lifestyle change, breaking a bad habit, or even just adjusting to a new routine, change can be a difficult and daunting task. But why is this the case?
One of the primary reasons why change is so hard is because our brains are wired to resist it. The human brain is designed to prioritize safety and stability, and any perceived threat to these basic needs can trigger a stress response that makes us feel anxious, afraid, or even paralyzed. This is known as the "fight or flight" response, and it can make it difficult for us to take action and make meaningful changes in our lives.
Another reason why change is hard is that we tend to get stuck in our old ways. We develop habits and routines that become familiar and comfortable, even if they aren't necessarily good for us. These habits can be difficult to break, and even when we know that change is necessary, we may struggle to take the necessary steps to make it happen.
Despite these challenges, there are several strategies that can help us overcome our resistance to change and achieve our goals. One effective approach is to break down the change into smaller, more manageable steps. By taking things one day at a time and focusing on small, achievable goals, we can build momentum and create a sense of accomplishment that can help us stay motivated.
Another useful strategy is to enlist the support of others. Whether it's a friend, family member, or professional coach, having someone to hold us accountable and provide encouragement can make all the difference when it comes to making lasting change.
Lastly, it's important to remember that change takes time. We may experience setbacks and challenges along the way, but it's important to stay committed to our goals and keep moving forward. By staying patient and persistent, we can overcome our resistance to change and create the lives we truly want for ourselves.
While change can be hard, it is not impossible. By understanding the reasons why we resist change, breaking down our goals into manageable steps, enlisting the support of others, and staying patient and persistent, we can overcome our resistance to change and achieve lasting success we desire.
References:
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House Digital, Inc.
Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H., Potts, H. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European journal of social psychology, 40(6), 998-1009.
Segerstrom, S. C. (2018). The psychology of resilience. Oxford University Press.
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