Who Will Win?

It doesn’t matter if you have been on a self-improvement journey your whole life, or just since you started making your resolutions for January 1st. It’s You vs. You in a battle royale.

This contest is so important to understand, because for the rest of your life you will be challenged with one thing or another, right? I mean, it’s not as if you can say, “Okay, I’ve gone to the gym today. I’m all set for the year! I’m good to go!”

Nope. No dice. It doesn’t work that way. But then, you knew that.

See, here’s the thing: Most of those habits you want to change? They are not really that hard.

Seriously…

The act of what you need to “do-or-not-do” is usually pretty simple. But that’s usually not the obstacle.

For example, eating less is not hard. It’s simply a matter of not putting that dessert in your mouth. One less trip to the buffet is actually less EFFORT. But the effort is not the biggest thing in the way, is it?

It’s you.

There is also nothing particularly difficult about the inherent act of driving your car to the gym. Or walking inside. Or even sweating for 45 minutes. In the big scheme of things, it is not a backbreaking endeavor, right? Again — It’s you.

You are probably in your own way. Why do we do this to ourselves? You’re certainly not alone in this struggle. Most of the people you know are in a similar battle. Maybe all of them.

So, why is this happening, and what can you do about it? Well, that’s the rub, isn’t it? But you have to start the process. Take action.

1. Taking action can be so very difficult sometimes. A terrific book to get you on your way is The Art of Taking Action by Gregg Krech. That’s a good start.
2. Learn the deeper roots of self sabotage. It’s probably not what you think it is. Frankly, it’s almost always more about self-protection than laziness. Want a deeper dive on that topic? The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest is a great look at how to shift yourself from a place of shame, to a place of action.
3. Appreciate your ability to evolve and grow. There are many books out there on this subject – in particular the realm of neuroplasticity, but my favorite is Adam Grant’s Think Again. 
4. Get a Coach or Mentor who specializes in pointing out your blindspots. Look for someone with a track record – There are a lot of poseurs out there who have might have some good ideas, but there’s no substitute for results.

Above all – You have to remember that nobody knows your “opponent” like you. And cultivating the love and respect for that shadowed adversary is the best place to start.

Onward.