I Know What To Do. I Just Don't Do It.

Have you been saying "I know what to do. I just don't do it." for a while now? 

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A few things:

(1) The contemplative stage of change is super important. You need time to think through what changes you want to make, the costs of NOT making this change, and honestly, the costs of making the change. You need this time between realizing you want to make a change and taking action. That is important time.

There will be costs on both ends. You will have to lose something about your current habits to make the changes you want and you will lose out on some things if you don’t make these changes. The costs of not making these changes has to be greater. That is a part of how you start to make change. This might take you some time to be ok with this new exchange. It’s ok if its’ been taking some time. You aren't failing at anything if you haven't taken action yet.

HOWEVER, when it’s been a long time and you deeply feel the costs to not making the change. Maybe the time really is now. 

(2) The change you want to make may be too big. 

If the change you want to make is too big, you could be feeling paralyzed. Are you lost on where to even start? Do you get overwhelmed thinking about all the things you "have" to do? You might be paralyzed by how big the change is and then get mad at yourself and then you feel MORE paralyzed and then you distract your big feelings with something else that causes more feelings of feeling mad and bad and then you don’t make the change again and on and on and on. Does this feel familiar? 

Start small. Like really really small. Like only one glass of water small. Only doing 1 push up small. 

What is the very first step you can take? Break it down into a few steps, then start with just that first step for a couple weeks. Does this make it easier to keep going? It could. Give it a try. 

(3) Motivation comes AFTER you take action. The first few toys has to be just sheer will and determination. And then the motivation comes. BUT you have to take action first. 

And friend - you are so worth that action before the motivation. You are worth that first very small step, whether it is one glass of water, a 5 minute walk around the block, or whatever this first step is. You are worth whatever change you are trying to start. 

(4) Say nice things to yourself! You deserve to hear nice things about yourself no matter what has happened in the past. And if you can’t today - borrow my voice! 

I think you’re great! And I think you are worthy of feeling good today! 

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If you are looking for support on your healthy habits journey, maybe I could help. I launched Church Alley Nutrition in the summer of 2023 for just these scenarios. Book a free consultation to see if I would be a good coaching fit for you!

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You got this!

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Reneé Blanchard

Founder, Church Alley Cafe & Grocery

Founder, Church Alley Nutrition

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