8 Surprising Obstacles That May Be Holding You Back From Lasting Change
Posted on August 20, 2021 by Sandy Robinson, One of Thousands of Health and Fitness Coaches on Noomii.
Because of the way our brains are wired, there are many obstacles that can, and will, get in the way of us making lasting change.
Even when we are faced with the most severe consequences, we tend to resist change. Why is that?
Well, first of all, let’s be honest here, even bad habits can feel rewarding at times. Secondly, our brains are wired to see new experiences as a threat leading to anxiety and fear which aims at stopping us from moving forward.
Because of the way our brains are wired, there are many obstacles that can, and will, get in the way of us making lasting change. This can really be self sabotaging when we attempt to take on new lifestyles like adding a fitness routine, improving our nutrition plan, reducing stress, pursuing new work or life goals, etc.
Which of the following obstacles do you think hold you back?
Fear of Rejection/Judgement/Being Different: This is ultimately the need for approval.
Fear of Uncertainty/Discomfort: The need for comfort and stability to avoid failure.
Stuck in Habits/Patterns: The need for security and value in routines.
Overwhelm: Being disorganized, having a lack of clarity or focus, and catastrophic thinking.
Confidence and Self Efficacy: The lack of belief in one’s own abilities or inability to trust oneself.
Fear of Disappointment/Failure: The lack of faith that things will work out, fear of meeting one’s own expectations, or fear of others not meeting one’s expectations.
Fear of Unintended Consequences: When change occurs, there’s a ripple effect of more change. That additional change and unknown consequences can create additional fear.
Lack of Clarity or Motivation: The absence of knowing what you want or why you want it.
Ultimately, we all suffer from at least one of these, if not all of these, at one point in our life or another. It’s important to understand that it’s normal! Our brain is hard-wired to create these obstacles to protect us.
However, we know that these obstacles can keep us from making the desired change that will ultimately improve our life, or the lives of others. So, when we recognize these obstacles in our life, it’s a chance to ask for help. It’s a chance to develop a plan to overcome those obstacles.
Here are three action steps you can take today to help:
How to help yourself: Identify your obstacle(s), then ask a trusted friend, spouse, or hire a Coach (like me!) to help you create a plan to overcome.
How to help others: If you see these obstacles in a loved one’s life, help starve their fears by encouraging and motivating them towards healthy change. Depending on the obstacle, a simple word of encouragement could be just the boost they need!
How to dig deeper: Check out these books on habit change:
Atomic Habits by James Clear.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.
The Habit Blueprint by Patrik Edblad.
Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.
Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg.
Mini Habits by Stephen Guise.
The Achievement Habit by Bernard Roth.
In closing, I want to encourage you to take one tiny step forward. It’s the beginning of a new and bright journey! If you need help with encouragement, motivation, or tools to incorporate change, I would be HONORED to help!
