Change is a process, not an event.
When it comes to successful change, it happens in stages. We can't know exactly how long change will occur, simply because each individual is different. What we do know is that it is a process. The process is hard, but when we come out of it, the benefits can be freeing.
Change is not to be confused with completely transforming your spouse/loved one to your liking. That is a whole other subject! Change is about a transformation within yourself that is already there at your root. Maybe you know it is there and you need help finding it. Maybe you aren't sure and would like the help. Finding our purpose and who we truly are is the change. It is about enhancing what we already are.
January is around the corner. Typically, this means people all over the world are talking about committing to certain health goals when the New Year comes around. Usually, these health goals have to do with behaviors such as losing weight, eating better, or working out more. While these are all great and reasonable goals to have, sometimes we tend to make them and then get discouraged. No matter how motivated we are to make a change, whether it is adopting a new habit or breaking an old habit, it's hard. Thankfully, research shows that even the slightest effort can be beneficial leading to success. Great news right?!
So, then why is it that we can be so motivated to want to improve ourselves, but then lose interest or that drive to keep going?
Let's go back to the beginning--Change is a process, not an event.
We're so focused on changing something because too often we are motivated by a negative reason. For example, out of guilt, shame, fear, or regret. By staying focused on positive thinking as to why we want to make a change, can tend to make a change more successful. Also, goals are more achieved when they are more specific rather than general. "I want to spend more time with my family" can be better achieved by saying, "I will start having a family dinner at the dinner table at least one night a week". Another idea I would like to add is not overloading how many goals that we would like to accomplish. Why? The risk of overwhelming yourself and burn out.
No matter what it is in life that we are trying to be better at, it may be easier for us to remember that there are stages. These stages in our lives require time, patience, and support. I just recently heard these terms (the 3 P's) while listening to a speaker, Anna Donahue speak about starting our "walk".
"Prune, Prepare, and Propel".
As individuals, we are given a chance to prune ourselves to become better. To let go of the past, to let go of fear, rejection, or failures, and to make peace with what once served us. This is the pruning process. How amazing! We have that choice to make our lives better. By doing so, only prepares us for what is to come of our transformation. Once we are prepared to be the best we can be and to live out our purpose, we propel. We become the most optimal versions of ourselves. For some this could look like losing weight, having more energy, starting a family, changing careers, or starting a business. The possibilities are endless.
We also have to remember to be kind to ourselves during the process. There is no straightforward, linear way of accomplishing change. It can take a few rounds. That is okay. Each time getting easier than the last. We can look at these "relapses" as ways to re-evaluate what worked and what didn't work. This is the path to change.
What in your life do you need pruning? Are you ready? If so, what is your next step? If not, what is holding you back? Do you need accountability? Maybe you are already doing some pruning and need some extra guidance areas you feel out of balance.
I am here for you.
Please feel free to comment below! Want to know how I can help guide you in the right direction? Check out my website!
Love,
Alexa
Wife//Mom//Nutrition Educator//Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
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