Every change is hard; what to do and how to stick with it

So I started running again. Three times a week for a few weeks now. The good news is that I wasn’t in such a bad shape as I thought. The bad news is that I forgot how hard it is. Almost throughout the run I am thinking; why I am doing it to myself? And then the run ends and it is such a great feeling of “I did it!”.

So is that why we can overcome things that we know that will be hard? Like giving birth again and again or running that marathon (I wish!) for the tenth time? Because of the feeling that comes after or is it because we forget from time to time how hard it was to get through it? Or maybe it is because we look at the bigger picture of what will come after the hardship? Of the baby, child and human to come or of accomplishing that goal that we had set for ourselves?

What we do know is that every major change is hard ….

The question is; is it better to do the change one step at a time, little by little or taking the plunge of a major change all at once? I think that the answer to that is very individual and should be examined by each and every one of what fits their personality and lifestyle.

For some the easier way to achieve something is to look at the bigger picture and of what this chance is going to bring me in the long run, like better health or a more financial stable situation. For others it is easier to take it one step at a time, an eating and exercise goals for the coming week or month or a monthly tracking of your expenses or setting up a monthly budget.

Here is a suggestion to steps on the way:

Making the decision is often the hardest part but also the most important one. It should be something that motivates you and that excites you.

Defining it by writing it down. This makes it more real and also helps thinking about and understanding what it is you want to do.

Telling it to someone else makes you more accountable. When you know that someone else knows we often feel more committed plus they can also be a great source for support.

Breaking it down into smaller steps on the way. If you feel that the way is too long or to abstract this can really help.

Keep going no matter what happens. Even if you fail or feel that you are going backwards don’t give up and keep going. Two steps forward and one step back is step one step in the right direction.

Award yourself and find a way to celebrate when you have reached an important step on the way or have gotten to your goal.

You can do it and so can I 🙂