Is it easier to keep going? Or Go back to the Norm
What does it Mean?
Have you ever had success for weeks, months, or even years in a particular area? And then you find yourself going back to your norm or that problematic behavior? Why is that?
First a Personal Example:
In August of 2022, I decided being 32 and single was going to be hard enough (after ending an eight year relationship). However I sure as hell did not want to be 32, fat and single.
So I did what I knew how to do and hit the gym, cardio, weight training, and good old fashioned dieting. In a little over a year I went from 330 pounds to 180. Good for me right?
Well at that time..yes, but what about no? Currently my weight fluctuates between 190 and 200, and I’ve noticed the clothes I wore at my best, truly do not fit now. So what is it really about now?
Quite frankly, that year was awesome, I got into amazing shape, and even fit into a size small, and while my size medium in most fitted shirts, is just fine.
The fact is, it is easier now to just dial back the intensity of working out, dieting and cardio, then it is to continue with that same mindset and actions.
But what If I would have kept going with that same focus and intensity? Well, would I be in the Arnold Classic, or look like the Rock?
Chances are no, but I sure as hell would look a lot better now than I currently do.
What it might look like for you?
So what is it, that you’d love to change, have done it before, but just could not sustain it? Perhaps it was sobriety from drinking, gambling, or just dialing back anger with your children and loved ones.
How long were you able to do it for? How good did it feel? And then, what happened, why did that sustained change stop?
In my opinion, that change stopped because after six, eight months, or even a year, sometimes it is just easier to go back to the norm (problem behavior), than it is to keep on that sustained change.
Face it if you are trying to be less angry, drink less, or any behavior change… you can stop,
but then stopping and keep stopping and refraining takes continued effort, and sometimes it is just easier to stop putting forth that effort.
So, What to do?
Face it, there is no perfect solution, everyone is different and everyone has their own crap to deal with. What’s most important is recognizing and calling out two things…
1. In the past I have been able to sustain change for months or even years at a time.
2. It takes a continued time, and effort to put forth that change.
If you have been sober from gambling for eight months, and then started again, the truth is, it was easier to go back to gambling, then it was to continue sobriety for another eight months.
In Closing:
It’s not about the You can do it (clearly you have, if you can relate), it’s about understanding you can keep doing it, because you are doing it.
You can follow through with more discipline in your diet, and sustain it for months.
It’s understanding it takes time, effort, and mental faculties to keep that change going. It’s ok, call it out, label it for what it is, a chance for growth.
I understand I regressed back to my norm which I don’t like.
But now, I understand I can keep up the sustained change, because I truly want to, and understand a little bit of the why behind it.
Fighting through that emotional discipline, when you want to go back eventually pays off
Contact Me:
If you are interested in telling me about your story, and seeing it it is a good fit work with each other please click on the Contact Me Tab. Feel Free To Send me an Email. I will Get back to you in One to Two Business days and reach out to schedule a Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation.
Below is a Direct Link to my email Address where I can be reached to schedule a Free-15 Minute Phone call consultation as well.
Email: Joseph.Gherman24@gmail.com
You can tell me about your story, we can chat and go from there.
