motivation

Change That Doesn't Last

Change That Doesn't Last

Difficult changes are often marked by ambivalence, resistance, and uncertainty. It can feel like some part of us is bought in and ready for the change while another part of us is still holding back. So what should we do about that? Do we just dismiss it, get over it, power through it? More often than not, this produces the same kind of half-hearted change that does not really take hold. Instead, the key to meaningful and lasting change is to acknowledge our ambivalence and explore both sides of it, that is, the part that is ready for change and the part that is not yet ready. We need to deal with the things that we are still holding onto and recognize the role that those things continue to serve in our life in order to be able to move on from them.

Eyes on the Prize

Eyes on the Prize

Have you ever set a goal and then struggled to remain focused? Or felt like the goal was so far away it was unattainable and so you were less motivated? I was recently listening to an interview with psychologist Emily Balcetis who studied how our brains can use our visual system to shape our behavior. In other words, what we visualize can help change our behaviors and motivation. 

Why I Make My Bed Every Day

Why I Make My Bed Every Day

Taking small steps and accomplishing small tasks (like making your bed in the morning!) leads to a sense of pride, helping you work towards another task and another and another. In the end, you realize that small habits matter as they support larger habits. These small daily routines can lead to further positive decisions over the day and a determined sense of taking charge in your life.