Have you ever really wanted to make change, but suddenly backed off because you couldn't streamline your new way of doing things into your current lifestyle?
As humans, we like structure and we are very habitual. Staying in unsuccessful patterns is all too common.
The good news is that we don't need to go from Point A to Point Z in one minute. It's okay to take time to acclimate to a new way of doing things.
But how do we break free?
Baby Steps, Baby Steps!
By taking baby steps, it is not quite as hard on us, and we can remain focused and assured of reaching our goals.
Too much, too soon can leave us feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, and then we give up. We are not all built the same, and changing our lives can be managing the process in increments. As we continue, it becomes our new reality.
Some examples to consider are:
Exercising:
Ever get really excited about starting a new exercise program, but then give up after a short time because you go in too hard and too fast? An exercise routine consists of many things that alter our routine, including carving out the time, getting dressed in our workout clothes, and starting a new program. If this is something we haven't been doing, it can become overwhelming and daunting. That is when we can give up and stop doing anything.
Try easing into it. Consider beginning by working out for 10 minutes to get used to integrating exercise in your life. Then once your mind and body like the process and the results, increase it.
Eating junk food:
Eating is fun, a big part of socializing, and it makes us feel good. Until we gain weight, feel lethargic and can't sleep. It's hard to change our eating habits overnight and resist all the things we love. Instead of forgoing that piece of yummy cake, have one slice, instead of two. Then the next time, have a little less. Become so aware of what you are consuming, that if it doesn't taste great, don't finish it at all.
Creating boundaries in relationships:
Setting boundaries is difficult for many of us. Mostly because of what we see as the reward vs. the loss. When we are taught that there will be punishment for not doing what we don't want to do, we become accustomed to participating in exchanges that don't serve us. Setting boundaries can be done in increments. We don't need to say "no" every time initially, but as time goes on and the dynamics change, we can feel more comfortable doing so. Easing into it, and becoming more and more comfortable saying "no" is not only good for you, it is good for the other person.
Learning something new:
Taking in new information is different for everybody. If, like me, you get overwhelmed taking in a lot of new ideas at once, take it in increments. Absorb, process, put it down, then resume. I did this in college and it really worked for me. Marinating information can be a game changer!
And lastly...
Being smart about money:
Spending too much money, wondering where it is all going, is not great for your future. Shopping, feeling something, and then buying can become addictive and wasteful. If your finances are getting tricky, give yourself some time to think about the purchase before you splurge. See how it feels to say "no" in the moment. Does it affect you negatively not to have this thing? If so, it'll most likely be waiting for you to go back and purchase it. Pausing gives us a moment to be more mindful and think about what we are doing.
In summary:
Taking baby steps to break patterns of grabbing, doing, eating, not taking care of ourselves, and doing things with other people without boundaries, can break unhealthy and unfulfilling patterns.
If you can think of other ideas, please comment on my YouTube channel.
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