How to become unstuck and Ways to avoid the pitfalls

“You are either uncomfortable staying the same or you’re uncomfortable changing. You decide.” – Hormozi

This quote is powerful. I hear it all of the time about how hard it is to give up bagels, or how much one hates exercising. I also hear “It’s easy for you.” First, it is not easy for me, but I decided that I’d rather be uncomfortable doing the exercise and eating like I do (which I love, btw) so I can feel amazing. It really isn’t that HARD of a choice. Let me lay it out:

• Do I want to continue feeling like crap, lethargic, bloated, achy and blah?
• OR do I want to feel capable, strong, resilient and gorgeous in my skin?

Um, I’ll take what’s behind Door Number 2.

You gotta have a plan!

Seriously, who would choose that first list of options? Well, many people do by default. It is too hard to work out so instead of being uncomfortable for 45 minutes, they choose to be uncomfortable for 24 hours for days on end. It is too hard to plan meals so let’s just hope there is a healthy option instead of a box of donuts in the breakroom. That makes no sense at all. You gotta have a plan, or else you are choosing to be stuck.

I feel like nutrition is the most important step so lets look at this in the context of nutrition there are only 2 options when it comes to improving your eating habits, and both involve some level of discomfort:

1. Uncomfortable staying the same: Like I said above, I don’t think most people think “You know, I’m loving feeling lethargic and having brain fog, plus these extra 35 pounds of blubber are just normal” or that they are actively choosing this but they are by default, by lack of action. If by default you don’t take action to get healthier, stronger and better, you are, in essence, choosing to stay the same in terms of your current eating habits. You may continue to experience discomfort in the form of health issues, weight gain, low energy levels, brain fog and potential long-term consequences of an unhealthy diet. (Please note: some ‘superfoods’ may not be good for you, the individual. So not all healthy foods are healthy for you.)
2. Uncomfortable changing: If you choose to change your eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle, you may initially experience discomfort as you adjust to new foods, figuring things out, portion sizes, and potentially even cravings for foods you used to eat. Change often requires breaking old habits and forming new ones, which can be challenging and uncomfortable. And don’t forget the family and friends who will criticize your healthier choices. That’s a whole other topic, but let’s dive in for a moment

PITFALL – well meaning people who will try to derail you

Unfortunately it is true. When you make a change to improve your life whether it is going back to school, learning a new skill, getting fit, or improving your diet there will be people who will try to derail you. They did not say a word as you ate an entire box of Pop Tarts on your break everyday or played video games until 2am while eating your way through a pizza and breadsticks. But now that you’ve decided to eat whole unprocessed foods, go to sleep at a decent time, and starting to walk every day, NOW they have your best interest at heart when they tell you that you’re gonna have a heart attack eating whole foods, or that you’re no fun because you are prioritizing sleep, and how all of a sudden they are worried that you making unhealthy choices. Seriously, this happens.

I had this happen many times. I still have it happen. But I have no problem making the “hard” choices. I cannot be guilted into eating sweet Aunt Mabel’s corn muffins. I know they are good. I used to eat many of them. But corn and I don’t get along, and the muffins are cooked with vegetable oils which are unhealthy. I choose to not eat the muffins. “BUT, you’re hurting Aunt Mabel’s feelings.” Really? I’m supposed to eat something that will make me feel awful so Aunt Mabel feels good? How does that make sense? I know of a woman who had 2 weeks of severe depression reacting to a food she ate. 2 weeks lost because of a reaction to a food she thought might be okay. Now she knows.

I also had it happen when I went back for my masters degree in nutrition and wellness. A few friends and even a close family member said I was “wasting my time” going back to school. I’ve had it happen with my exercise, too. “You’re walking too far.” “You’re not walking enough.” “My doctor says blah blah blah, so you’re doing it wrong.” Seriously, people will throw shade on you when what you are doing makes them feel less than, when it highlights where they feel they are lacking. If anybody tries to tell you that “you were more fun when you were sick” that is a red flag to reduce your circle of friends. If anybody tries to convince you that “just one won’t hurt” you need to ask yourself why this person wants you to fail. Rant done, but just be aware of these things as you CHOOSE to do the hard things to get well, to get stronger and to get better. Not everyone will be supportive and some will actively try to derail you.

The power in choosing

Let’s just face it because we all know it -Life is going to be uncomfortable at times. It is good to know we can choose that discomfort and limit its impact on our quality of life. Both scenarios – discomfort is inevitable whether you continue with your current habits or make positive changes. The decision is ultimately yours. You need to weigh the potential discomfort of staying the same against the discomfort of making changes and improving your situation.

YOU and only you are responsible for what you put into your mouth. Whose fault is it that you ate something that made you bloated or gave you a headache? YOURS! You have the power to change all of that.

I hope this posts encourages you to take responsibility for your choices and decide which discomfort you’re willing to embrace in order to get better. Only one of those choices leads to a healthier, happier life where you have confidence, feel good in your skin and have the energy to do the fun things in life.

Don’t forget. . .everyone has the ability to get better. The choice is yours.

NOTE: The inspirational quote at the top of the page is from Leila Hormozi. Here is her instagram page.