Why do we resist changing our habits and behaviors, even when we really want to change?
"Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong." Mandy Hale
Believe it or not, simply understanding why change is difficult has made changing much easier for me. We can't help resisting change. We are all 'hardwired' for behavior based on subconscious programming developed in childhood.
Can you believe that 95% of your behavior is controlled by your subconcious? And what shapes our subconcious? Past programming that was impressed upon you in childhood. This programming is fiercely protected by your Comfort Zone, which hates discomfort, and resists change at all costs.
You know the voice in your head that says "You can't do this?" That's the ego, and your ego wants you to stay in the comfort zone. But if we're being honest, that comfort zone really isn't all that comfortable!
How to Create Lasting Change
In this blog, I will explain how A Path With Purpose offers a structured process for overcoming these challenges and making lasting change possible. By shifting our habitual state through a series of steps, you can reprogram your subconscious mind, develop new skills, and ultimately, create the life you desire.
It's possible to replace the old programming that was given to us as children into programming that we choose for ourselves. It is possible to create a life you are actually comfortable in. A Path With Purpose has six steps. Each step is vital, and was designed to help you reprogram your subconcious, allowing you to step into the life you desire.
The Challenge of Change
Let’s stat by giving ourselves a break. Go easy on you! We were programmed to think the way we were told to think, and behave the way we were told to behave. From the time we were born, our experiences, environments, and teachings began shaping our subconscious programming. Honestly, even a welcome change can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.
These deeply ingrained patterns influence our behaviors and responses, creating a Comfort Zone that, while familiar, resists change and often hinders our growth. When we attempt to step outside this zone, we encounter internal resistance. This resistance can appear as physical discomfort, emotional unease, social pressure to conform, intellectual excuses, or even spiritual struggles.
For instance, consider trying to adopt a new exercise routine. Initially, you may feel enthusiastic, but soon, the physical discomfort of sore muscles, the emotional resistance to change, and the social pressure to stick to your old habits can make it challenging to maintain the new behavior. Despite knowing the benefits of regular exercise, these barriers can cause you to revert to old, familiar patterns.
Solution: Shifting the Habitual State on A Path With Purpose
A Path With Purpose
To overcome the challenge of change, A Path With Purpose outlines a process for shifting your habitual state. This process involves a series of steps designed to manage physiological stress, expand the comfort zone, and reprogram the subconscious mind.
Step One: Diet and Exercise
Managing your physiological stress response through diet is crucial for creating a foundation for change. The foods we consume directly impact our physical health, energy levels, and stress management. By making conscious dietary choices, we can support our body’s ability to handle stress and facilitate change.
Focus on whole, nutritious foods that nourish your body. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet. Avoid excessive sugar, caffeine, and processed foods that can exacerbate stress and hinder your progress.
Physical activity plays a significant role in gradually expanding your Comfort Zone. Exercise not only strengthens your body but also boosts your mental resilience and emotional well-being. By engaging in regular physical activity, you push your boundaries, making it easier to embrace new habits and behaviors.
Start Small or Risk Falling Back Into Undesired Habits
Start with small, manageable exercises that fit into your current routine. Gradually increase the intensity and duration as you become more comfortable. Activities such as walking, yoga, and light strength training are excellent starting points. The key is to find exercises you enjoy, making it more likely you'll stick with them.
Combining these two steps creates a solid foundation for change. By nourishing your body with the right foods and incorporating regular physical activity, you manage stress more effectively and build the resilience needed to expand your Comfort Zone. The body will always support the mind.
Step Two: Naming the Ego/Becoming Aware
The Ego is the voice in your head that reinforces negative beliefs and self-doubt, keeping you stuck in old patterns. Recognizing the Ego is a critical step in overcoming old programming.
Decide to become more aware of your thoughts. When you notice negative self-talk or resistance, acknowledge it as the Ego. Give the voice a name. Calling the ego out by name has made it much easier for me to realize I am separate from that voice.
I named my ego Lucy, and when I see her spouting off, I am aware that I am not my ego. This will create awareness and makes it possible to gently remind yourself that these thoughts are not the truth but merely old programming.
Step Three: Let Go Technique/Conflict Resolution
The Let Go Technique involves a four-part process: acknowledging, allowing, releasing, and accepting. This technique helps you actively release old programming and emotional attachments, making way for new behaviors.
When you encounter resistance or emotional discomfort, take a moment to acknowledge it. Allow yourself to feel the emotion without judgment. Then, consciously release it by visualizing it leaving your body. Finally, accept the new space you have created for positive change.
I'm going to be honest and tell you it doesn't always work the first time; it may not even work the second time. But don't give up, it really works!
Step Four: The Purpose Power Hour (PPH)
Start your day on purpose with the Purpose Power Hour. This routine helps reprogram your subconscious mind by beginning your day intentionally, and aligning your thoughts and actions with what you truly desire.
Gone are the days of waking up late, rushing around putting out fires, and then wondering where the day went.
To ensure you live every day on purpose, commit to 10 minutes of each of the following exercises, as close to waking up as possible:
Reading
Journaling
Affirmations
Visualizations
Meditation
Making this a priority each morning will change your life. This dedicated time helps build new skills and reinforce positive behaviors.
Tip: Preplan for these activities! Making a change can be difficult! (That's why you're reading this blog, right? 😉) Without proper planning, skipping your PPH will just be another thing that your ego will hold against you.
Step Five: Meditation/Strengthening Concentration
Meditation builds mental strength and awareness, allowing you to stay focused and present. This practice enhances your ability to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset. It is part of the PATH - Purposeful Actions Toward Harmony.
Begin with a few minutes of meditation each day, as part of your PPH above, and gradually increase the duration. Focus on your breath, and gently bring your attention back when your mind wanders. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of meditation.
Step Six: Presence on Purpose
Achieving a state of conscious control and awareness allows you to live in the present moment. This mindfulness helps you stay grounded and reduces the power of the Ego over your actions.
Tip: Throughout your day, practice bringing your attention to the present moment. Use cues, such as taking a deep breath or noticing your surroundings, to anchor yourself in the present moment. This practice helps you respond to situations with awareness rather than react out of old programming.
You Are Capable of Creating New Habits
Changing habits and behaviors is a challenging but achievable goal. By following the steps outlined in A Path With Purpose, you can reprogram your subconscious mind, develop new skills, and shift your habitual state.
Managing your diet and incorporating regular exercise provide a strong foundation for change, while mindfulness, meditation, and the Let Go Technique help you overcome resistance and embrace new behaviors.
Remember, the journey to lasting change requires consistency and dedication. Start today by taking small, intentional steps, and watch what happens! Embrace the process of shifting your habitual state and discover the fulfillment that comes with it.
Until next time, live every day on purpose 🩵
- Peggy