Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: The Choreography of Change
Before having the right tools, my attempts at change looked like this:
Exhilarated Start, Crash Landing. I’d be swept away by motivation, diving headfirst into a new goal. Then, I’d try to overhaul everything at once, leading to burnout and quitting.
The problem? We’ve been conditioned to believe that positive change should feel good – all the time. After all, aren’t we striving for improvement? Shouldn’t the pursuit of a better self be inherently joyful? No. Change is uncomfortable and difficult. That’s why a lot of people don’t bother. If we do the same thing every day, even if it doesn’t feel great, the predictability can feel soothing. We feel more comfortable experiencing pain that we are familiar with as opposed to the uncertain results that come with change.
The good news? Understanding the reality of change as a complex process, not a constant state of bliss, can be empowering. Here’s the new perspective I’ve adopted:
- Healthy Habits Can Be Irritating: Let’s face it, pushing yourself physically or trying new healthy recipes can be tough. Prepare to feel some initial discomfort – muscle aches after a workout, or a less-than-delicious experiment in the kitchen. It’s all part of the process.
- Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Setbacks are inevitable. Missed workouts happen. Healthy meals get replaced with takeout nights. The key isn’t to beat yourself up – it’s to acknowledge the setback, learn from it, and get back on track.
- Rest is Not Quitting: Feeling tired doesn’t have to mean giving up. It’s a signal to adjust my pace. I take a break, then come back to my goal with renewed energy. When you’re tired, learn to rest. Not quit.
The difficulty of change is a given. What matters now is where I focus my daily efforts. This shift in perspective (along with using the OMAT Program tools) empowers me to navigate life’s inevitable challenges.
ACTION: Choose one achievable goal this week and focus on making steady progress. Celebrate your wins, big and small, and remember, even small steps forward lead to big transformations.
