Oversimplifying change

There's a sneaky word that we use when talking about changing something in our behaviour.

And that word is...

JUST.

As in...

I just need to start eating healthier.

I just need to get to bed on time.

I am just going to start exercising more.

I just have to stay calm next time instead of being triggered.

This implies that the only thing behaviour change requires is a decision to - as Nike puts it - "just do it", which is not usually the case. We have competing desires and commitments which produce internal resistance & there are many steps involved in one behaviour change that we often don't take into account.

The result? We end up not - in fact - "just doing it", leaving us back where we started, feeling crap about ourselves & frustrated that we can't do this seemingly simple thing.

So the next time you find yourself using the word 'just' when you want to make a change, remind yourself that behaviour change is not that simple.

Get curious about why it's hard, get specific on why it's important and what exactly you're trying to do. Decide when you'll do it, how you'll do it and how you'll tackle the obstacles that will inevitably come your way. Reach out for support or accountability where you need it.

P.S. If you're oversimplifying behaviour change for yourself, chances are you're doing the same for patients

What is something seemingly so simple that you are struggling to do?