But I didn't Know...

#personal development Sep 11, 2024

In a world of complexity, it is easy to say, "I didn't know how." Last night, I sat with a group of clients, discussing how the mind will push us away from exerting effort or changing our behavior if the cost of change seems too high. Our brains constantly weigh the cost of implementing a new behavior against our current lifestyle and way of thinking, and if the costs seem too high, then it will be difficult for us to change.

This seems counterproductive, seeing that change can often be not only very good for us but necessary for our health and happiness.

This happens typically because the potential pain we may experience from changing limiting behaviors and relationships will cloud our judgment and inhibit our capacity to make necessary changes in our lives. So it is inaccurate to say, "I didn't know," but more truthful to say, "I don't want to know."

The vision for a new and brighter future must be clear and meditated on daily to overcome the limitations of our natural fear of pain. This is why spiritual practices are daily practices, as we historically understood that to survive and thrive in a complex world, we must be clear about why we are here.

To overcome this natural resistance, the vision for a new and brighter future must be clear and meditated on daily. This is why spiritual practices are daily practices—throughout history, we’ve understood that to survive and thrive in a complex world, we must be clear about why we are here.

Here are three powerful ways to start overcoming that resistance:

  1. Daily Visualization Practice:
    Spend 5-10 minutes each morning visualizing your ideal future. Picture how your life will improve by making positive changes and mentally walk through the specific behaviors you need to implement. This will train your brain to focus on the rewards of change, making the process feel less daunting and more rewarding.
  2. Small, Consistent Actions:
    Break down the changes you want to make into the smallest, most manageable steps. By focusing on just one small action daily, you lower the perceived cost of change while still moving closer to your goals. This gradual approach helps you stay consistent and builds momentum over time.
  3. Mindful Pain Exploration:
    Instead of avoiding discomfort, spend time reflecting on it mindfully. Acknowledge the fear or pain associated with change and understand that it’s a natural part of growth. By facing these emotions, you reduce their power and become more willing to move forward.

By combining these strategies, you can begin to reframe the "cost" of change, making it more about progress than pain. The clearer your vision, the easier it becomes to embrace discomfort for the sake of a better future.

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