When I meet my clients, they’ve usually arrived at a place where they feel really ready to make a change. They’ve often dealt with issues like frustrating symptoms, anxiety or burnout for a long time. They’re tired of feeling this way and they’re ready to do something about it. If you feel that way right now, keep reading! I’m going to share some of my thoughts on the growth mindset you’ll need to successfully make the changes you want to make.
Small Change is Important Change
The first mindset shift I want you to make is to get away from the idea that you need to make huge changes right away. You’re more likely to follow through on your goals when you start with small changes. And even a 1% change can lead to massive growth, when done over the long term. Learn more about the 1% change in this video.
Change can be something as simple as making your bed first thing in the morning. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but implementing that small change is significant. By committing to something and following through on a daily basis, you’re building trust within yourself. You’re changing your own mind. Instead of being someone who never follows through, you’re now someone who makes their bed every morning.
And once you’ve established that trust within yourself, making other changes becomes that much easier. If you then decide you’re going to add drinking water to your morning routine, you’ll go into it believing you can really do it—because you now have a track record of following through.
Quality Over Quantity
Instead of focusing on the “size” of the change you’re making, focus on the significance of it. Why does this change matter? What is it helping you achieve? If it’s making your bed every morning, that can feel like something really small.
But what is the impact of that change in your life? Does it help you set an intention for the rest of your day? Does it help you have a sense of ownership over your day? These small changes can create massive impact throughout your life.
Get Out Of Your Own Way
Some of us are pros at self-sabotage. We constantly criticize ourselves for not doing enough, or we frame everything as either a success or a failure.
There is NOTHING productive about this mindset, so let’s throw it out the window. Instead, focus on believing that you have the power to create change—because you do. There are so many choices all around us, every single day. We are so much more capable of change than we often believe.
Don’t worry about success versus failure. That won’t help you here. Focus on what you can control: your individual choices. Reframing it this way is empowering, rather than defeating.
Embrace Discomfort
When you work out for the first time, you know you’re going to be sore the next day. That’s because you’re breaking down your muscles, and your body becomes sore as it repairs those fibers. In this process, your body gets stronger. The same is true for making other lifestyle changes. Change causes discomfort. And that discomfort facilitates growth.
Making changes in your life won’t feel good all the time. Sometimes it’ll feel great. Other times it will feel really difficult. But that difficulty is where you grow, so anticipate it and lean into it. You will come out stronger on the other side.
Looking for some additional support as you work to make positive changes this year? I’d love to chat with you. Schedule a free consultation here.
Disclaimer:
The content found on Integrative Counseling and Nutrition Consulting platform is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your psychiatrist, therapist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition.
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