Taking a moment to review your life and health at the end of the year can be more productive than setting New Year’s resolutions, which can often leave you feeling discouraged. Instead of relying on willpower, focus on developing a willingness to move forward and overcome barriers in your life.
Breaking Down Barriers
To create the life you want, it’s necessary to overcome the barriers blocking your progress. These barriers can include beliefs you’ve learned from parents, teachers, and friends that make you feel unworthy or inadequate. By recognizing the subconscious beliefs that are holding you back and adopting different views, you can pave the way for positive change.
Barriers Based on Beliefs
Barriers are often based on beliefs, like the idea that your health is beyond your control or the responsibility of a doctor. Changing these beliefs can lead to preventative measures and better health. Other examples include common thoughts such as “nothing works for me” or “I have to manage my disease.” Instead of approaching your situation with a sense of helplessness, be open to the possibility of change.
Overcoming Barriers Beyond Your Control
Some barriers may seem beyond your control, like genetics, finances, or time. However, many of these barriers only exist because of your belief systems. For instance, you might believe that your genetics determine your ability to be healthy or overcome disease. But epi-genetics science informs us that your genetics only provide the potential for certain conditions, not a guarantee. It’s important to recognize that factors like environmental influences and learned behaviors play a significant role in our health.
Making the Shift from Willpower to Willingness
To effectively embrace change, it’s important to ditch the idea of willpower and focus on willingness. Willpower often fails because it requires you to maintain a strong mental position against something you crave or desire, which can be exhausting. Meanwhile, willingness is about genuinely wanting to make changes and being open to new ideas.
For example, if you’re willing to change your diet to improve your health, you’ll have greater success because you’re focusing on adopting new habits instead of avoiding certain foods. Studies show that adding healthier foods to your existing diet can positively impact your overall health.
Willingness can make behavior changes fun and achievable. Instead of forcing yourself to exercise or sleep, try incorporating more activity into your day or creating a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation. By being open to trying new things and embracing different health perspectives, you’ll naturally move toward a healthier lifestyle.
In conclusion, focusing on a willingness to make changes and overcome barriers can lead to significant improvements in your life and health. Embrace the power of willingness to create real, lasting change.
