There's probably not many of us who wouldn't admit that there is room in our lives for some healthy changes. Whether we want to lose a few extra pounds, eat better, get more sleep or get a better grip on the stress in our lives, we know that the commitment we make toward those goals would be a positive step in the right direction. But is committing to goals enough?
Having a goal in mind is an important first step. It shows a motivation to change and that's a good start but if we truly want to be successful in attaining the goals we set for ourselves then we need to get beyond that first step. Most researchers agree that it takes anywhere from 21 to 30 days to change or start a new behavior. A lot can happen in a day. Can you imagine all that can happen in 21 to 30 days? We may sail along for the first several days but sooner than later, we're going to come face to face with something called emotional resistance. This is where our mind set sort of goes into a major revolt!
Think of emotional resistance as a form of self protection. It's the mind's way of protecting what is already established. We've accumulated some behavior patterns (habits) that we do on auto-pilot. When we act to change those habits, we're going to meet some resistance. At first, emotional resistance may take the form of boredom and we simply lose interest in the new behavior. If we get through the initial stages of resistance and we're on our way to behavior change, then the mind kicks into high gear with some really devious obstacles to impede our progress. Suddenly, you may find yourself thinking that you're not worth the changes that you're trying to make or that you're not deserving of a healthier lifestyle. These thoughts and perceptions are coming from the deep recesses of your mind and if you let them they can completely derail your motivation to change.
Motivation is key to lasting change but it's fragile. Understanding how to stay motivated is the best thing that you can do for yourself no matter what kinds of changes you're planning. Learn more about motivation and the role it plays in behavior change by visiting Motivation and Behavior Change
The author is a graduate of the University of Maryland with advanced degrees in behavior change from St. Louis University. He is a lifelong devotee of healthy living and a facilitator of positive change. His website http://www.healthyhabitshealthylifestyle.com was created to help guide visitors to a healthier lifestyle.
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There's probably not many of us who wouldn't admit that there is room in our lives for some healthy changes. Whether we want to lose a few extra pounds, eat better, get more sleep or get a better grip on the stress in our lives, we know that the commitment we make toward those goals would be a positive step in the right direction. But is committing to goals enough?
Having a goal in mind is an important first step. It shows a motivation to change and that's a good start but if we truly want to be successful in attaining the goals we set for ourselves then we need to get beyond that first step. Most researchers agree that it takes anywhere from 21 to 30 days to change or start a new behavior. A lot can happen in a day. Can you imagine all that can happen in 21 to 30 days? We may sail along for the first several days but sooner than later, we're going to come face to face with something called emotional resistance. This is where our mind set sort of goes into a major revolt!
Think of emotional resistance as a form of self protection. It's the mind's way of protecting what is already established. We've accumulated some behavior patterns (habits) that we do on auto-pilot. When we act to change those habits, we're going to meet some resistance. At first, emotional resistance may take the form of boredom and we simply lose interest in the new behavior. If we get through the initial stages of resistance and we're on our way to behavior change, then the mind kicks into high gear with some really devious obstacles to impede our progress. Suddenly, you may find yourself thinking that you're not worth the changes that you're trying to make or that you're not deserving of a healthier lifestyle. These thoughts and perceptions are coming from the deep recesses of your mind and if you let them they can completely derail your motivation to change.
Motivation is key to lasting change but it's fragile. Understanding how to stay motivated is the best thing that you can do for yourself no matter what kinds of changes you're planning. Learn more about motivation and the role it plays in behavior change by visiting Motivation and Behavior Change
The author is a graduate of the University of Maryland with advanced degrees in behavior change from St. Louis University. He is a lifelong devotee of healthy living and a facilitator of positive change. His website http://www.healthyhabitshealthylifestyle.com was created to help guide visitors to a healthier lifestyle.
Article Source: ExineArticles-expert=Daniel_Lambert
Happy New Year
Nutrition and Fitness Bestsellers
Do you like this article?