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When we try to adopt any new habit that feels unfamiliar, especially those that help shift our mindset, reach our goals and reduce negative self-talk, it can feel REALLY tough to begin with. Whether it's practicing positivity, mindfulness, or any other new behaviour, the initial stages of trying to implement those changes can be the most challenging. However, understanding the science of how we form habits in the first place and the benefits of sticking with it so you see real results, can be incredibly empowering.
The challenge of new beginnings
When you first attempt to integrate a new habit into your life, whether it's going to the gym, a new exercise routine, creating self-care routines, or healthier eating habits; the initial resistance may show up as self-sabotage or procrastination. You may suddenly find any excuse to not take action, or start off strong and wonder why it fizzled out, with no motivation and you are back to square one again!
Neuroplasticity: your brain's ability to adapt
These are not just imagined barriers and challenges that you are facing, but a neurological reality. Your brain's existing neural pathways have been programmed from a young age and influence your thoughts, behaviour, and habits. This is through a process known as neuroplasticity, where the pathways have become strengthened over time through repetition and become automatic. You don’t need to think about HOW you ride a bike, do your shoelaces, or brush your teeth, you just do it - because the pathways have been built and are there ready to 'go'.
So, trying to get the brain to change to a new way of doing something, or thinking in a new way, will take some time and effort, until you create a new neural pathway. Think of a delivery truck trying to reach a house, and the only route to get there is by a road through a forest. The first time the truck drives through, it will be difficult as the driver navigates through, pushing through the forest undergrowth. By the 3rd and 4th time, however, the road will be easier to navigate because a path has now been formed and it's quicker and easier to get to the house.
This is how neural pathways in the brain are created. The first few times of learning something is always the most difficult. But with consistency and regularity, it becomes easier and easier until finally, it becomes a habit. The same applies to learning any new habit - the key is persistence and regularity and sticking with it!
Persistence and regularity: The keys to success
The key to successfully creating new habits lies in persistence and regularity – willpower is like a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it. Just as a path through a forest becomes easier to navigate the more frequently it is travelled, neural pathways also become stronger and more efficient the more they are used. Over time, the new behaviours that once felt awkward and forced can become second nature. Any initial resistance will lessen with time and practice, and while creating new habits can be challenging, the effort is worthwhile.
Encouragement to keep going
If you find yourself struggling with the new habits you're trying to adopt, remember that this is a normal and expected part of the process. Stick with it and watch how you transform. What begins as a conscious effort then becomes effortless and before you know it, with commitment, action, and belief in yourself, you have made the change! Every step you take towards understanding why you do what you do, and how to change that inner programming, is a step towards a more confident you.
You don't need to do this by yourself. I am here to help you reach your goals, quicker and faster. When we work together we will get to the root of what is keeping you stuck and feeling frustrated, and do the deep work to get it finally shifted for good, so you can create the life you want to. Book your free discovery call below to find out more.
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