If you’re either subscribed to my newsletter or on this site, then you may be looking for inspiration or ways to go after your goals. If you’re anything like most people, you would have wanted the results of the goal yesterday. Putting in the work is hard and the toil is not what most people sign up for.
Working consistently at a goal or a long-time dream brings fears and insecurities to light. And that’s good because you need to know what internal resistances you have to deal with.
The problem lies in dealing with internal resistance. If we were born with the knowledge and skills to put aside internal resistance while pursuing our goals, then we would have achieved them already.
So how do you deal with internal resistance?
You do so by making a small change to your life. You make that change a part of your life. Then you make another change.
Note, I said make a small change…a change…not several changes at the same time.
Normally, achievers want to pursue several goals at the same time. I’m guilty of that. And guess what always happens? I give up because making multiple changes at the same time is energy intensive. Using willpower every day is draining after a few days.
If you have this same issue then narrow your focus to one goal at a time.
Focus on one goal and focus on making changes.
Make changes, don’t chase results.
Change always comes first. The results follow.
I heard the following quote somewhere, “If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.”
The quote is attributed to one Jack Dixon. I do not know who he is, but this quote resonated with me. It works well as an affirmation, as something to keep in mind every morning.
Here are some resources to guide you on making small changes.
Watch a Ted Talk
The Battle of Changing Your Behavior by Eric Zimmer
Highlights:
- We procrastinate on things that are overwhelming or ambiguous.
- We have to act our way into right thinking.
- We need a strong why to change. For Eve, it was thinking that everything in life hinged on her ability to stay sober.
- Ask people for help. Supportive persons around you encourage you to be brave to make the change and they keep you accountable.
Read an article
16 Things You Can Do to Change Your Life in 2022 by Kathryn Sandford
Highlights:
- Find a purpose and focus on it.
- Keep your goals in mind (use a vision board).
- Live a balanced life (as far as possible).
- Accept who you are. This one is so important. We need awareness of who you are before you can make consistent change.
- Change your beliefs (again, this is fundamental to creating lasting change)
- Be grateful.
Things to consider changing
If you want to make some changes in your life and are not sure where to start, consider the following list “22 Microhabits that will Completely Change Your Life in a Year“. Maybe you will identify with one. Then journal for 10 minutes on why this change will be important for you. Read that entry tomorrow and let me know how you feel about making this particular change.
That’s it for now and hope to see you next week.