3 minute read
Stay the Course
By Jean Baltz
This is why change is difficult. It is not so much the introspective assessment of self and behavior, or the thoughtful choice of change to be made, or even the justdo-it phase of a new behavior and the value it carries. Identification of needing change is courageous, and initiation of the plan really is somewhat creative and exciting. The difficulty is staying the course and facing the long, sometimes challenging, seemingly slow progress, through to the longterm goal.
Maintaining change is tough. One to two weeks into your plan, energy may start to falter, old behaviors are tempting, and momentum is compromised. This is more likely when
the value of the alternate behavior does not exceed the disruptive activity.
Monitoring of progress and continuing to increase your incentives are helpful. Think of it as a very long road trip with multiple stops and breaks, and with each stop (incentive), you are closer to your destination.
Be good to yourself; you are on a path of improvement. Small acts of kindness are important. Evaluate what you have in your toolbox that is tempting, valued, and likely to please. It is incredibly important to keep moving forward even if it is with less than previous momentum.
Some reminders; keep change simple – only change one behavior at a time until it becomes the new normal. Break it down to simpler steps if needed. Possibly, you can narrow down the specificity of the new behavior. Increase the detailing of the new behavior. Journaling, although not recommended for a long length of time, can indicate if your plan is rational and realistic. Another step is to set short-term and long-term goals. If your energy starts to wane at two weeks, set two-week goals with an incentive built in. At the end of each shorter timeframe, you will feel successful and invigorated to supply renewed enthusiasm to take it to the next short-term goal.
Another method to maintaining the new behavior is involving others; asking for assistance or support can give a sense of accountability and add to motivation. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking help from a licensed mental health professional. The connection between the mind and body, and the factors that promote behavioral change, are uniquely complicated and individualized. Even just a few sessions can help you examine and set attainable goals or address the barriers that may be getting in your way.
As you can see, planning is very important to success in behavioral change. Real change is long-term sustained change, often described as no longer a change but life as usual. Stated again as not to underestimate, sustained change is tremendously difficult!
Why is behavior so difficult to change? Here are some thoughts to ponder and ask questions regarding: change should never be based on fear or regret, all or nothing thinking, doing it all at once, poor planning, failure to recognize and estimate the process, not addressing our failures, and most importantly not on a solid commitment!
Do not be discouraged! Stay the course! One author calls it “stay in the grey.” Do not let your negative emotions determine your wavering commitment to the change you deemed important to your health and wellness.
