Would you do, what you say you’ll do?

What would you do if you were given a million dollars? This question has been asked more times than anyone can remember. We all have our own response to this question. I think most people would respond with either savings or buying a house and car. Thinking about this question, I almost wonder how disciplined we would be in our “simple” answers.
Somewhere around 90% of all lottery winners, go bankrupt within the first 5 years of winning. Psychologists have studied this phenomenon and have found that being thrusted into a new circumstance, causes our brain to feel like it is out of control. Our brain has a hard time adapting to change, especially sudden change and often will we reject it to put itself in homeostasis. This is why it can be difficult to lose weight, make more money or move to a new home. Subconsciously, we force ourselves back into the same situation we were before.
Before we can change our external circumstances, we must first change our internal circumstances. We must begin by preparing our minds to adapt to change. You probably will never have a million dollars thrusted upon you, but whether it is money, weight or just general circumstance, we all want something better. It can often be the subconscious, self-sabotage that stops us from getting what we want. To change this, we can do a few things.
1. Asses your current beliefs. What you believe, is often what you think about. The more you think about something, the more likely it is to be true. There is the old saying “whether you say you can or can’t, you are right,” is essentially the idea here. Do you feel that you never have enough or that you are just unlikable? A belief like these can often cause us to reinforce itself by other negative thoughts. If you can start assessing your current beliefs and thoughts, there is an opportunity for you to change them.
2. Examine and set goals. Do you currently have a goal to change? Having a goal, not only is a powerful motivator, but also puts that change within reach. It is not enough just to have a goal, but we must be able to break it down into steps and sub goals. How will you get from point A to point B? What are some obstacles you can encounter? What will have to be true about myself for this to happen? Examining your goals can help open your eyes, regarding what it will take to get there.
3. Establish strong. Establishing strong habits, doesn’t guarantee that your goal happens. However, establishing strong habits can help make decisions easier and reduce your likelihood for self-sabotage. If you can, automate some of your habits. For example, I have an automatic transfer set up to deposit money into my savings every month. If you can have trigger habits. For example, if you think about having a dessert, eat a piece of fruit instead. Any habit that can help you adapt a different attitude, viewpoint or belief about yourself is important.
Change is hard and I don’t think that there is any way to make easy. However, it is possible and as long as you have a strong desire, you can make it through.
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