What Holds People Back from Creating Lasting Change (Soultions Included!)
Creating lasting change is something that many people aspire to, whether it's changing their health habits, their career path, or their relationships.
However, despite our best intentions, many of us struggle to make lasting change stick.
In this post, we'll explore some of the common barriers that hold people back from creating lasting change and offer some strategies for overcoming them.
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Lack of clarity about what we really want: One of the most common reasons people struggle to create lasting change is that they don't have a clear idea of what they really want.
For example, you might say you want to get in shape, but what does that mean to you?
Do you want to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your endurance?
Without a clear goal in mind, it's difficult to create a plan that will lead to lasting change.
Solution: Start by getting clear on what you really want.
Write down your goals and be as specific as possible.
For example, instead of saying "I want to get in shape," you might say "I want to lose 10 pounds and be able to run a mile without stopping."
Having a specific goal in mind will help you create a plan that will lead to lasting change.
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Fear of failure: Another common barrier to creating lasting change is the fear of failure.
When we set out to make a change, there's always a chance that we'll fall short of our goal.
This fear can be paralyzing and keep us from taking action.
Solution: Recognize that failure is a natural part of the process of creating lasting change.
Instead of seeing failure as a reason to give up, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Embrace the idea of "failing forward" and use each setback as a chance to course-correct and move closer to your goal.
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Lack of support: Creating lasting change can be challenging, and it's important to have a support system in place to help you stay motivated and accountable.
Without support, it's easy to get discouraged and give up on your goals.
Solution: Find people who can support you on your journey to creating lasting change.
This might be a friend, family member, or coach who can offer encouragement, accountability, and guidance.
You might also consider joining a support group or online community where you can connect with others who are working toward similar goals.
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Resistance to change: Even when we know that a change is necessary, it can be difficult to take action because we're comfortable with the status quo.
Change can be uncomfortable and even scary, and our minds and bodies might resist it.
Solution: Recognize that resistance to change is normal and natural.
Take small steps toward your goal and celebrate your progress along the way.
As you begin to see the benefits of the change you're making, you'll likely become more motivated to continue.
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Creating lasting change is challenging, but it's possible with the right mindset and strategies.
By getting clear on what you really want, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, finding support, and acknowledging resistance to change, you can overcome the barriers that hold many people back and create lasting change in your life.
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If you feel like any of these barriers apply to you and you would like more personalized solutions, I invite you to book a FREE Small Habits, Big Wins Session.