Step 2
Over my years coaching clients I often recommend small sustainable habits as the key to making big life changes over time. That concept is not unique to me alone. In his book “Atomic Habits”, James Clear explains how “our habits can compound for or against us”. I think we need to deeply consider this. Honestly, that’s exactly how we got where we are, either for good or bad. Deciding to have donuts instead of oatmeal for breakfast one morning will not make us overweight or unhealthy, but continually making “one” bad choice often enough will result in a habit that does not support our goals. Conversely, going to the gym one time will not whip us back into shape over night either. The problem is, we are untrained in discipline and we would prefer our bad choices bare no evidence and our good choices (however seldom made) dominate our outcomes. We want to lose 50 lbs in a month, learn a language in a day, change our diet yesterday, etc. It just doesn't work that way. In fact, radical shifts rarely stick. If we want sustainable change, we have to do the inner work.
The reason it seems like we're often fighting an uphill battle is because we subconsciously our beliefs are the things that support our habits, either for good or bad.
For instance, the goal is: have more money. The belief making that goal unachievable is: it’s enjoyable to spend money or I'll never have money. Do you see how that belief will not support the action of saving money? Because, our actions are always the consequence of what we believe to be true.
So, when we endeavor to change habits, we need to get very clear about what we want? Why do we want it? What is it worth to us? And most importantly, what do we believe to be true surrounding that desire?
Habit change rarely, if ever, happens overnight because we're often forced to rewire our beliefs and thoughts. These beliefs whether supportive or unsupportive were often imprinted when we were very young. Or sometimes toxic adult relationships leave us with false beliefs. However, there is hope. The study of neuroplasticity, is a study that explores how the brain "wires" and "fires" together through neural networks. These networks can be rewired, no matter what we've been through!
We have access to incredible power, not only of our own but the connection to our Lord, who is able to do all things. Never underestimate the power of Spirit to guide you and lead you to greater levels of growth.
There is one other (HUGE) thing I want to mention, it is this: the power of the 80:20 principle. This principle states: "eat healthy meals 80% of the time, and have more freedom with the other 20%". I live by this. We need the freedom to eat the burger, have the fries, drink the cocktail. Otherwise, are we really living?
In our Wholistic Health Coaching programs we explore these concepts with our clients to help them achieve sustainable habit change. No crash diets, no fast fixes. It's time to look deep, not superficially. We look forward to supporting you in your journey!