Why is Change so Hard?
A common question I’m asked in my work as a Transformational Life Coach is Why is Change so Hard?
I often hear phrases like, I try so hard to make positive changes, but they never seem to stick?
Does that sound familiar to you?
Understanding Why Change is Hard?
Let’s see if a recent conversation with a Coaching Client offers some insight into where you may be getting tripped up.
The conversation went something like this…
I asked her what were the changes she was working on making in her life.
And she replied:
I’m trying to exercise more.
I’m trying to set better boundaries with my employees and family.
I’m trying to focus more on self-care…
Before she could go any farther down the path of listing all the changes she was trying to accomplish, I invited her to take a moment to reflect upon the energy of the word “trying.”
Be Mindful of the Language You Use
I asked her to restate the three statements she’d just made, yet the second time, removing the word “trying.”
She paused a moment, tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and looked down at her notebook.
Then she lifted her head and spoke the three sentences again:
I am exercising more.
I am setting better boundaries with my employees and family.
I am more focused on self-care.
She smiled and sat up taller in her chair.
“I get it,” she said.
Do you get it?
Language is powerful and the energy we put out in the world with the words we speak is powerful, too.
You already know I’m a little nuts about the word FINE!
Well, Trying is another word that causes me to cringe.
It’s such a wishy-washy word. A half-in/half-out word. A someday word, rather than a right-now word.
Are you still wondering why change is hard?
Then here’s my invitation to you…
Notice, what are you “trying” to change in your life and is your language aligned in support?
I am trying to be more patient with my kids vs
I am more patient with my kids.
I am trying to lose weight vs
I am losing weight.
I am trying to take time each day just for me vs
I am taking time each day just for me.
See the difference?
One simple word changes the intention from wishy-washy to clear and certain.
Your turn!
Get clear on your desires.
Then play with them and notice how a simple shift in awareness and language has the potential for profound change!
Be certain. Get clear. And reach out if you need extra support!
If you’re trying to make positive changes in your life, only to find they never materialize, this is a wonderful opportunity to stop wondering why change is so hard, bring in awareness and make positive changes that last a lifetime!
And if you need extra support or further direction, I invite you to set up a complimentary Discovery Session today.