If the only constant is change – why do so many of us seem stuck in our same old routines? Because change isn’t easy – and people resist making the hard decisions they know will make them better. Why do we resist change? And even more – how can we give in and ACCEPT it? Let’s get into this…
With the Nutrex REBIRTH happening right now…
I thought it would be a good time to talk about something that’s all around us – and we have VERY little control over:
Change.
Change is the ONLY constant in the universe – it’s as inevitable as God and time.
If this is true, though – and so many people understand this concept…
Why do so many of us RESIST that change?
Why do we hold onto our OLD routines and ways so tightly?
It’s weird, right?
We KNOW that the change will do us good – that it’ll make us a better person…
Yet we fight to hold onto the familiar with a fury of a thousand angry demons – even when we know staying in the same place is BAD for us?
Because we’re stubborn…
Because we’re dumb.
We hold onto the familiar because we FEAR the unknown – and fear is an emotion that can get you killed.
Let’s see if we can’t find a way to RELEASE this fear – give into change – and become the person we know we’re all meant to be.
Because let’s face it…
We all find ourselves stuck in a rut every once in a while.
But isn’t it better to be the kind of person who can confidently take on new challenges without fear of failure?
Wouldn’t you rather grab the world by the cojones and take control of where you’re heading?
Of course – which is why we’re going to start at the beginning.
Why Do We Resist Change?
Now, when I say, “we” – I don’t mean “me”, really…
I mean you.
Why do YOU resist change?
Well, first things first – let’s talk about your current state of being.
Maybe you’re the kind of person who’s been doing the same thing for years and you’re starting to feel like a human version of Groundhog Day…
Or perhaps you’ve been stuck in a job you hate – but the thought of leaving your comfort zone is about as appealing as getting a root canal.
What is it about our current situations – good or bad – that makes us CLING to them?
Well, as I said a few moments ago…
Change is scary.
The fear of the unknown is what keeps us doing what we’ve always done – and growth never happens from doing what we’ve always done.
So…
How do we stop resisting and give in to the change?
Well, it all begins with a single step (or a single leap, if you prefer).
Start by setting yourself a goal…
Maybe you want to hit a new bench PR, maybe you want to change your career…
Or maybe you just feed the need to break out of your comfort zone and try something completely outside of your wheelhouse…
Whatever your goal is, write it down and put it somewhere you’ll see it every day.
That way, you’ll be reminded of why you’re putting yourself through the mental and emotional challenges of making a change.
Progress Not Perfection
Now, let’s talk about the actual change…
Contrary to popular belief – you don’t have to turn your life upside down to start making progress (although, if that’s your thing… go for it!).
There are plenty of small steps you can take to start remaking yourself.
You may want to just start small – like by changing up your daily routine.
Instead of hitting snooze a dozen times – maybe you get up 15 minutes earlier each week for the next 4 weeks.
At the end of the month – you’re getting up an hour earlier – and you’ll barely notice it.
Think about what you can do with an extra hour a day?
Maybe you’ll hit the gym…
Or maybe just take a walk or meditate.
Start small…
And over time incremental increases will TRULY feel a lot better than a BIG change overnight.
Small changes can make a big difference.
Accountability: How To Stay The Course
Now that you’ve started down the path…
How do you stay ON the path to change?
It ain’t always easy to keep up with a new routine…
But there are ways to make change more fun.
For example, why not try enlisting a friend to join you on your journey?
That way, you can motivate each other and have someone to complain to when you hit a roadblock.
This is great if you want to start a new phase of your fitness journey.
Maybe you’ve been training alone for years – and it’s time to incorporate a lifting buddy to your gym life?
Nothing is more motivating than competing with a like-minded individual – especially a buddy – when it comes to the gym.
Some of my fondest memories in the gym are from the times me and boys were firing each other up for a big lift…
Man, I miss those days.
Plus…
The accountability of bringing a buddy along is worth the price of admission.
Having somebody to ask, “Hey! We doing chest and arms today, right?” – can help even when we’re feeling drained.
Sometimes – it’s easier to show up for other people than it is for us.
Use that to your advantage!
The 500 Pound Gorilla In The Room
No, we’re not talking about me…
We’re talking about the OTHER 500 pound gorilla:
FEAR.
Yes, I know, the thought of trying something new can be terrifying…
Hell, I don’t even like changing the brand of underwear I use – but here’s the thing: fear is a natural part of the change process.
It means you’re pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone…
And as I mentioned – OUTSIDE of your comfort zone is the ONLY place where growth happens and that’s a GOOD thing.
So, instead of letting fear paralyze you – try reframing it as excitement.
This is going to sound weird, but…
Try it as a mantra.
If you’re finding yourself feeling anxious about trying something new – say to yourself as many times as you need to:
“I’m not scared… I’m excited.”
You can say this in your head…
Or you can speak it outloud to the universe – either way – you say it till you believe it.
I promise – it’ll help…
And think of all the possibilities that await you on the other side of that fear.
We know what’s on this side…
What’s on the other side can be even better.
Now, of course – sometimes you might stumble and fall along the way.
Just now that’s okay!
Nobody is perfect…
The important thing is to not let one setback (or ten) derail your progress.
Just dust yourself off and get back on track.
Remember, change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary for growth.
It Ain’t Easy – But It IS Necessary – And Can Be EASIER
As I mentioned before – I KNOW change isn’t easy…
But I’ve just laid out a few ways to help ease your way into it.
Big changes are hard…
Little changes are more palatable.
Remaking yourself into the person you want to be IS possible…
And is almost ALWAYS worth the pain we put ourselves through to get there.
Remember to set goals, take small steps, enlist the help of friends, embrace your fear, but most importantly…
Keep a positive mindset (as well as a sense of humor).
With these tools in your arsenal – you can transform yourself into a stronger, more confident, and more fulfilled version of yourself.
So go ahead…
Take that first step – embrace the journey.
You’ve got this!
“Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.” – Herbert Otto Gille
Editor’s Note: Did you miss the BIG announcement? Two days ago – the world learned about REBIRTH – and how Nutrex is going to change the game over the next coming weeks and months. To see what REBIRTH is all about – follow this link – and see what the ENTIRE fitness world is talking about us.
