WHY IS CHANGE SO DIFFICULT!
If you're finding this blog for the first time, please go back to part ONE of this series to put this section in context.
If you've read part one, congratulations! You're entering the second of a SIX part decision making process.
Reading this has moved you from the Precontemplation Phase (1) to the Contemplation Phase (2).
If you continue through this process, you will be making one of the most important decisions of your entire life - taking charge of your own health!
But! Don't stop here!
So far, this is the EASY part!
Many of us think about it, not so many of us manage to follow through.
Take smoking, for example.
It's EASY to quit smoking!
I did it at least eight times!
The real problem is maintaining the change you want to make!
Before we discuss why this is, I invite you to regard the section below. It was developed by behavioral scientists to figure out the decision-making process; how people develop and sustain the behavior they desire when making the changes.
People like me are trained to help you make the changes in the least disruptive way possible, once YOU decide you are ready.
Take a look at the first two stages.
Some people in this stage can get very angry or defensive. They'll take comments you make as criticism, when, in fact, you think you're trying to help.
So, save your breath. People change when they are ready!
Until a person becomes convinced that change is needed, until you are aware you have to change, until you feel compelled to change, nothing will happen!
You may try a few times, but that is a desire to make a change. Without a plan and knowledge, the chances of permanent success are not good.
Until you fully embrace the idea that NOT making the change will be disastrous, nothing is likely to happen!
What's next?
Here are the next two stages.
OK, so now your saying to yourself, "I'm really gonna DO this!"
About this time, "STINKIN THINKIN" starts to creep in.
"I've tried before and I can't stick to it."
" I really don't have time to do this."
" I don't want to go on the cardboard diet!"
This is only natural. After all, you know it's not going to be easy.
Who wants the miserable feeling of failure?
You have enough issues (we all have issues, don't we?) without adding others!
That's why educating yourself is so important!
If you take the time to learn about how the Western Lifestyle is KILLING us, the only possible conclusion you can make is, I HAVE to change my behavior to GET HEALTHY!
A word to those who are thinking, wait a minute! We are living longer than ever!
Define living, PLEASE!
Does it mean groaning every time you bend down?Or, lurching an overweight body from chair, to car, to couch every day?
Or, sitting on the couch eating junk food for hours each day while watching TV?
Does living the Western Lifestyle, taking multiple meds, trips to doctors, heartburn, arthritis, fear of diabetes, an imminent heart attack or stroke really LIVING?
I call it EXISTING!
I had a discussion just yesterday with a dear friend. He's like a son to me, and 48 years old. He's Cambodian. When he came to this country as a teenager, he was unable to speak English. Now he has his own auto repair and sales business. He's doing extremely well.
He looked sad, and I asked him why.
His answer was, " All my other older friends die Lou! I tell them, NOT smoke, NOT drink, TOO fat! They don't listen!"
He had lost five friends in one year!
There's NO reason a person considered "elderly" can't live a HEALTHY LIFE and do ALL the things a person of THIRTY can do!
Re-read the above paragraph to understand the alternative!
Okay, I'm realistic. What once I did all night, now takes me all night to do once!
I admit it!
I'm 71 !!!
BTW, Soon, my bio will be available on this blog.
So, maybe an older person, say, over 60, can't do all the things as long, or at the same pace as one much younger; but any activity should be possible,
There should be NO physical limitations until and unless a specific medical condition requires it!
Avoiding this is what we are all about!
Remember, with proper instruction from a knowledgeable, qualified exercise trainer, and supervision from health professionals if you have existing health/illness issues, the nearly every human body is capable of remarkable improvement; no matter how bad the condition when you start!
The general media is beginning to popularize this, but scientists have known it for years. Now, almost every program structured to treat disease includes exercise, even cancer, arthritis, diabetes and most others. That's because any improvement in muscle tone and cardio-respiratory function improves your existing condition!
Does this sound like a lot of work?
RE-READ THE PREVIOUS PARAGRAPHS!
It really comes down to this - for the rest of my life:
Do I, live healthy and well?
Or, do I spend years suffering and in misery while circling the drain?
Below are the last two phases, (5 and 6)
THIS time, your program will be successful!
It will be successful because YOU are taking charge of your health; and, I am going to help you.
You will plan during the preparation phase so that the action you take will result in you reaching phases 5 and 6.
I will say that I wouldn't have used the word termination for the last phase, it sounds a little ominous don't you think?
How about Permanent Process? I like that better!
Next, we'll discuss the planning and action phases, and why this is where most people get in BIG trouble and FAIL.
To be continued
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