Let’s not beat around the bush:

Change is hard.

In our pursuit of personal growth and positive change, we often encounter a disparity between the person we are and the person we aspire to become. It may seem like a daunting task to transform ourselves completely, believing that consistency, discipline, and willpower are the key ingredients for success; aka If you don’t succeed, you just didn’t want it enough.

I disagree, but not because the core isn’t true. Understanding why change can be challenging and using the gained insights to pave the way, makes a transformative journey of self-improvement much more attainable than sheer determination alone.

We all have our own way to view these inner guide, in this instance I will use the Sage and the Explorer. The Sage represents our wisdom and foresight, making strategic calculations and considering future outcomes. It is the part of us that plans, evaluates, and sets objectives. On the other hand, the Explorer embodies our spontaneous impulses and desires, seeking immediate gratification and taking actions based on what feels pleasurable in the present moment.

Routines, guided by the Sage, are sequences of actions carried out in a consistent manner due to their proven effectiveness. For example, following a specific recipe to create a delicious dish or setting a regular alarm time for waking up. Routines require conscious effort and a focus on the future, even if they entail discomfort or sacrifice. Over time, routines can evolve into habits, which are driven by the Explorer.

Habits, akin to automatic routines, are actions performed without conscious deliberation. They are triggered by specific cues or situations, with the Explorer responding impulsively to immediate desires. Habits are formed when our minds associate certain actions with rewarding feelings, creating a loop of repetition that demands to be fulfilled. However, it's crucial to recognize that the Explorer is not a hindrance but an integral part of our internal guidance system, working alongside the Sage to navigate our daily lives.

To facilitate positive change and incorporate new behaviors, we can leverage our inner guides by consciously designing routines that eventually become habits. This two-phase process begins with defining and designing a future outcome using the Sage's wisdom. Breaking down vague goals into specific manageable actions, setting the stage for success. For instance, committing to performing 10 minutes of daily meditation or engaging in a brief exercise routine.

Next, we enlist the support of our Explorer by establishing clear triggers or cues for our routines. These triggers act as beacons, signaling our minds to effortlessly initiate the desired behavior. Triggers can take various forms, such as visual reminders, specific times of the day, or designated spaces. By creating an environment conducive to our desired actions, we cultivate the fertile ground for habits to take root and flourish. To make new actions more appealing to our Explorer, we can associate them with enjoyable experiences or rewards.

By infusing elements of pleasure into the actions themselves, we enhance their attractiveness and reinforce the habit-building process. For example, pairing exercise with our favorite music or treating ourselves to a soothing bubble bath after completing a productive task. Discovering what resonates with us and incorporating that joy into our routines can significantly enhance their sustainability and effectiveness.

It's important to remember that change is a dynamic process, one that requires patience, resilience, and self-compassion. Each small step forward, regardless of its size, is a testament to our commitment and progress. Embracing failure as an opportunity for growth, managing our expectations, and celebrating even the slightest improvements are integral to our transformative journey.

Change is not a destination but a continuous evolution towards becoming the best version of ourselves.

As we nurture our inner guides, the Sage and the Explorer, we unlock the remarkable potential for personal growth and fulfillment.

Stay curious, stay compassionate, and keep exploring.

Adventure Awaits

This post was directly inspired by the video Kurzgesagt: How to Change