So we have all been there, fad diets, the 30 day challenge that promised life changing results, the guaranteed abs workout. Yes, of course, its exciting in the moment and may even work in the beginning. You felt motivated and determined to start afresh with renewed willpower praying it would be different this time. BUT long term they fall way short of the results you’d hoped for.
Only to realise old habits crept back in. The motivation gradually waned and you find yourself back where you started. But this time with extra helpings of guilt and frustration.
Ringing some bells? You’re not alone.
In this blog I will uncover the truth about why quick fixes keep you stuck and explain how an empowered mindset leads to transformation.
Lets get straight to it…
Quick fix offers are everywhere, instagram reels, facebook posts, TV adverts, all promise attractive oppurtinites to achieve results fast and the brain laps it up. The lure of results in a short space of time makes these offers tempting and exciting. The problem with these offers is, they often gain us only surface level changes and don’t delve deeper to remove the root cause of the original cause of your behaviour. So what does this mean?
It means that when we jump into the “overcome anxiety” challenge in 28 days (convinced things will be brilliant this time!), we are disappointed to find that old patterns of over analyzing and worry slowly creep back in. Why? Becuase the underlying issue with why you are experiencing anxiety has not been resolved on an unconscious level. This leaves us feeling like we have failed in some way, it can leave us doubting ourselves and dent our self confidence.
The truth is, real lasting change has to be targeted at the source. You would not put a plaster on a broken leg, you would look for the underlying cause of the pain and x ray it to find the break and then treat the break from the inside out.
Our brain operates in the same way. We are a set of programmed patterns of behaviours that we have learnt through our life experiences, our parents conditioning, our teachers, mentor, peers and trauma. All these exoeriences shape how we percieve our world. Life coaching allows us to get to the root cause of your behaviours so long lasting change can actually become possible.
Why is neuroplasticity is so important in the role of adopting long lasting positive behaviours?
Neuroplasticity (the brains ability to adapt, develop and grow) means you can literally form new patterns and programs. Take neurplasticity out of the equation and your brain would be almost fixed and rigid making it impossible to replace negative behaviours with new empowering ones such as replacing guilt or shame with more empowered beliefs and behaviours. The work involves learning to find compassion for yourself by making peace with your past. This paves the way for next level programming. Ones where new coping strategies are formed, resilience is built and long lasting change is the payoff.
Discomfort
Let’s get one thing straight here. You are not always going to find the transition easy. I’d be a complete liar if I said that. There will be tears, it will feel a scary at times and even as though it’s not even possible BUT get this, it will also feel bloody liberating once the work is done. And let’s face it, the alternative is staying stuck in your programmed loops of failure until you’re old and knackered with no energy to pursue those dreams and passions you have.
it’s not about how intense you hit the change button but more about the slow, gentle and gradual shift that takes places that produces a subtle and natural outcome that builds trust and self belief as you begin your journey of change.
Patience dear…
The whole damn process takes patience. That’s why the quick fixes seem so much more appealing. You’re hasty, you want instant gratification, you want the easy route. Long term you’re wasting your dollar. Have some patience! Hold those horses and get prepared to put some graft and investment into who you want to create.
You’re way stronger than you think…
Strength and resilience comes from pushing through discomfort and staying committed to the course. You gotta wholly believe that this is possible and that you are capable of anything you set your mind to.
Trust me I’m NOT a doctor …
So yes I’m not a white coat wearing professional, far from it. But when it comes to lasting change in behaviours I have a long list of “thank you’s” from clients over the past 13 years that themselves have created lasting change from fears and phobias, anxiety and panic attacks, low self-esteem, and people pleasing ways (to name a few).
The environment and your system is more important than your willpower …
Yes you can red that again because if your environment does not align with your desires for the future then what is the point in embarking on change at all?
Who gets to hang around with you? What boundaries you have in place in work? How do you manage and prioritize your personal space and downtime? What sort of relationship you will tolerate? Does the system support your future desired self? What needs to go?
The take away…
What you water from the roots will grow and flourish, water the leaves only and the plant will die.
Your route to lasting change begins with compassion for all you’ve endured, patience, discipline and commitment to your desired self, trust in your own ability to handle it. And the environment has to support your desires and provide the strength that has always been within you to change for good.
To see how Life coaching will change your life today Book a free taster session, lets chat and learn what the possibilities could be for you.
Learn more about life coaching, mindset coaching and coaching for young people or take my FREE Life Satisfaction Quiz.
I’m ready to feel confident and be set free of my fears and anxiety.