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Change takes time–and that can be frustrating. Evolving is an inevitable part of life. It is natural to experience positive and negative events, but it cannot be easy to accept and adjust to them. While it may be tempting to expect progress to happen quickly, it goes slower than we'd like. Here are 10 reasons why transforming a behavior is a process.
#1 Breaking Old Habits Happens Over Time
Habits are deeply ingrained and hard to break. Breaking familiar routines does not happen fast because:
Habits are formed slowly and often live in our subconscious.
Habits are deeply ingrained and wired in our brains; therefore, we do them without thinking.
Breaking old habits requires self-discipline and skills development.
We need time to adjust.
#2 It’s Challenging to Let Go of Core Beliefs Even if They are not Helpful
Core beliefs are the beliefs we hold most strongly, defining who we are and how we view the world. Hanging onto core beliefs that are not helpful can hurt our personal growth and development. Unfortunately, many of us carry core beliefs that limit our progress and keep us from reaching our highest potential.
We’ve held on to our core beliefs for so long that it can be hard to imagine living without them. We also may lack the skills and knowledge to challenge these beliefs, making it difficult to move past them. Learning to bring these beliefs into awareness is the first step. Therefore give yourself the space and grace to make progress.
#3 Fear of Failure
Fear of failure can be a major obstacle to personal growth. It is natural to fear change, and this fear of failure can prevent us from taking the necessary steps toward our development. Some reasons you may fear failure include the following:
Judgment from others
Self-doubt
Rejection
Ultimately, getting to the underlying reason for your fears and equipping yourself with the tools to overcome your concerns are part of the journey.
#4 Not Knowing How to Make Change Happen
You may be ready to modify your behavior and not know where to start. Some people feel as if they've failed before they start. Don't abandon your goal. Give yourself the extra period you need to achieve the skills and make a realistic plan so that you can make corrections.
#5 Comfortable With the Status Quo
Some people find comfort in unhealthy habits because it's comfortable. Even though change can bring positive benefits, it can also be challenging to adjust to new ways of thinking and doing things. Once you decide to work on yourself, know you have to do some work to change your outlook.
#6 Not Believing the Change Will Happen
When you first decide to modify your behavior, it's exciting. However, you will face challenges and setbacks. Know it is normal, and don't quit. Instead, remember it is a journey. Slow is better than stopping.
#7 Fear of the Unknown Can Make Change Take Longer Than Necessary
Change is an exciting adventure filled with mixed emotions. It is natural to fear the unknown because you are following an unfamiliar path. Knowing what to expect at the end of the change process can prevent inaction.
The fear can cause you to procrastinate or avoid taking action altogether. Using the appropriate tools and resources can help you see the benefits outweigh the fear of what you don’t know. With the proper support system and skills, you can learn to embrace the risks that come along with change.
#8 Feeling as if You Don’t Have Time
We all have days when it feels like we need more time to complete everything. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the tasks we have set for ourselves or the expectations placed on us by others. It can be hard to manage our time and prioritize important tasks while still taking care of ourselves. Feeling you need more time to signal that something needs to change. Here are some reasons why you may be lagging when it comes to implementing change:
Having unrealistic expectations
Lacking motivation
Facing distraction
As you achieve personal growth, you’ll learn to use tools such as adjusting as needed, rewarding your achievements, and setting up your environment for success.
#9 Feeling Overwhelmed
Change can be overwhelming because you are instituting something different and unfamiliar. It takes time for you to learn the skills to adapt to new situations. So while these changes may be slow, remind yourself that it is okay to feel overwhelmed and not let a bad day stop you from pursuing long-term goals.
#10 Not Believing You Can Change
Some changes are easier than others. It is normal to see some goals as unachievable. As you progress, believing in your potential and giving yourself grace with setbacks will be the most effective tool to help you take the actions necessary to change.
Remind yourself that change takes time, effort, dedication, and patience. Track your progress and use that as evidence that change is possible.
Conclusion
Change is an inevitable part of life and can be a complex process. However, change is necessary for personal growth, and taking the time to transform will lead to more success and satisfaction in life. Begin slow and invest time, effort, and dedication because breaking old habits and routines can often be challenging.
Meaningful change also requires a certain level of self-awareness to identify areas in your life that need improvement. Additionally, change often requires support from those around you, such as family, friends, and mentors. They can help motivate you to stay on track and keep moving forward even when the process is complicated. Finally, change often requires patience, as it is a gradual process that can take weeks, months, or even years to achieve. However, making an effort to make positive changes in your life will lead to personal growth and greater success and satisfaction in the long run.