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I've been slowly developing myself over the last couple years and have hit a rut. I'll decide to do something, and then, for what seems to be no reason, I won't do it.
I've been looking for what the problem is, but I've been unable to figure it out. Suggestions on what to do?
Steve
Greensburg, PA
Answer: Steve,
Without knowing more details about the types of activities that you decide to do, but then don't take action on, I can only give you a general answer, but it will most likely apply to any situation.
In short, one of two things is probably happening, and I'll address each of them separately.
1) You aren't passionate enough about whatever it is that you decide to start doing.
As Napoleon Hill indicates in the classic book 'Think and Grow Rich', having a burning desire to do something is the first and most important step if you want success in any endeavor. Note, however, that a burning desire is just that. If a desire is not so strong that you think about it constantly, then it isn't a true burning desire.
Most people tend to want something pretty badly at first, or maybe even a week or a month after they originally had the thought, but after the "novelty" of the desire wears off, we are left with the task of still doing what needs to be done in order to attain that desire, yet we aren't as motivated as we were in the beginning
Think of a weight loss effort, to use a common example. Most people who decide that they are fed up with being overweight are very, very serious about cleaning up their lifestyle in order to shed the excess weight. However, within a month or two, when the hard work of sticking to a nutrition and exercise program isn't melting off the bodyfat quickly enough, people tend to fall off the wagon and either back off on their efforts, or just give up completely.
That same thing happens with all types of goals; weight loss, financial efforts, relationships, you name it. It often turns out that staying where we are with a particular aspect of our life - even though we are uncomfortable - it is still easier to stay there than to consistently do what it takes to effect long-term positive changes.
Bottom Line: If a desire is not strong enough to fuel our actions long after the initial excitement of getting involved with a new project, then results will be either limited or even non-existent.
2) You don't truly believe that you can accomplish whatever it is that you want to accomplish.
Another possible reason for not sticking with plans to make changes is a lack of belief that the change is even possible. Again referring to weight loss, if someone weighs 400 lbs and they wish that they looked like some ultra-buff movie star, the belief system will simply not be in place that it is possible to go from 400 lbs to a lean, sexy body. (It is possible, by the way, but that was just an example!)
Wealth creation or getting out of debt are the same way. When someone is working paycheck to paycheck and it feels like they can never get ahead, they just don't truly believe that it is possible for them to be "rich" someday. It's hard to think like a millionaire when you are wondering if you'll have enough money to pay your rent this month.
This same concept can be applied to any goal that someone is striving for. They may want it - they may even have a burning desire for it - but if they don't truly believe that they can have it, then they never will. Our own self-limiting beliefs cause us to sabotage our efforts at being succesful, and most of the time we are not even aware that we are doing it.
Getting rid of self-limiting beliefs can be difficult since they have been built into our personalities often times since childhood, but again, a consistent effort is the key to success. Standard practices include affirmations, visualization, meditation, and even self-hypnosis. The best way to get rid of a self-limiting belief, however, is to simply start experiencing one small success after another. Your confidence will eventually banish the self-limiting belief completely.
So, the bottom line answer that I have for how to stick to it when it comes time to make changes in our lives is to ensure that we have a true burning desire for whatever that change is, and then to clear ourselves of any self-limiting beliefs that would stand in the way of success!
For more information on clearing up belief systems, I recommend Joe Vitale's book 'Zero Limits', or check out the Ho'oponopono section of the Today is that Day Blog.
For more questions about positive thinking, health, self improvement, or the Law of Attraction, please return to the Questions page, check out some other requests, and feel free to submit your own question!
About the Author
Aaron Potts is the owner and the creator of the Today is that Day website. His message to the world: "YOU are in charge, and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise!" If you found this article useful, be sure to check out the Today is that Day Blog, or Aaron's amazing eBook, Energy Harmonics. Also, you may click below to make a small donation to help Aaron continue to provide powerful, informative, and useful content so you can enjoy your life to the fullest!
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