Many of us pursue for more information: diet plans, workout plans, and the new ‘secret’ so that we can finally take charge of our health and make progress toward our goals. However, for most people, lack of information is not the problem; lack of action is. In my last article, I shared three simple mindset shifts to evoke massive change. Here, I will share three more.   

4. Expect discomfort. This one was a big ‘aha’ moment for me. Change can be hard. Change can be uncomfortable. Breaking habits can be hard. Being uncomfortable IS expected and is a sign that you are exactly where you need to be.

In the podcast I mentioned the book Hunger, Hope and Healing.

Whether its deciding not to eat a second helping of dinner when it tastes so good, avoiding the lunchroom snacks, choosing not to eat after dinner or getting up when your alarm goes off to go for a run, change can be uncomfortable.

But that’s all that it is: uncomfortable. Think about it for a second: you’ve been uncomfortable before. You’ve done hard things. You’ve been in pain. You’ve been hurt. And you survived. That strange feeling you get in your belly, or the hollow feeling in your throat when you’re uncomfortable. You’ve gotten through it before and you can do it again.

You can train yourself to reframe your perspective on discomfort. Tony Robbins said “learn to convert the discomfort of discipline into the satisfaction of personal growth”. Discomfort isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to lean into and welcome. It’s growth, change, becoming the person you want to be. It can be challenging. It can be messy. It can be uncomfortable. And you are worth it!

5. Choose consistency over intensity. When we are excited to change, we tend to go all in. And, when we find a plan, maybe a protein diet, or a fitness program, we go all in. We tend to discount making small changes because it’s not enough. And things like committing to simply tracking your food isn’t as sexy as a 21 Day detox or a strict meal plan.

But for most people, the intensity doesn’t last. We slip, feel like a failure and give up. Choose consistency over intensity. Consistency gets results. Going hard for a week and taking 2 weeks off doesn’t. Choose to do SOMETHING, even something that is seemingly small consistently. Build trust and confidence in yourself and slowly add more steps as you go. You choose the pace. This is not a plan to get as fit and lean as you can in 90 days; the goal is to make a lifestyle change.

6. Choose practice over perfection. Healthy eating, workout out, eating only when you’re hungry, any of the mindset shifts I mentioned take practice. If you pick up an instrument for the first time, you wouldn’t expect to be able to play Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony on your first try. Nor should you expect perfection when changing your habits.

Perfection doesn’t exist; don’t set standards for yourself that are only found in fairy tales. Instead, practice. Practice daily with your best effort. And if you’re not making progress, be honest with yourself. Are you practicing? Are you practicing consistently with your best effort? And if you’re not, what can you do to improve?

I truly hope these mindset shifts were helpful. Reading this article or listening to the podcast that goes along with this article is a good first step. But reading or listening isn’t going to get you results. What are you going to do to take action? Please email me: tanja@ascendfitnesscoaching.com and let me know!

If you’re ready to take ACTION, registration for Chilliwack’s Biggest Winner open soon. Click here to be the FIRST TO KNOW when registration opens! 

Thanks For Tuning In!

Thanks so much for joining me this week. I really look forward to getting to know you in the months to come. If you have a question that you would like answered, or need a bit of extra help in a certain area, please take a moment to email me at tanja (at) ascendfitnesscoaching.com

If you liked this episode, pleases share it!

I’d so appreciate if you take a moment and leave a review for the podcast in iTunes. When you rate and review the show, it really helps others discover the show, and I am so grateful for your feedback.