"I've got the insight, but nothing has changed." It was more of a comment than a question, yet the inquiry is clear enough. "What good does it do me to get a bunch of grand insights about my life if my outside world doesn't change as a result? Am I just wasting my time & energy?"
Now for a little background. This question came from someone who's currently working with my stress-buster kit and doing exactly as I suggested. She did her homework, and she did well! We're just not finished yet.
I'm sharing her inquiry mid-stream because it's a great illustration of the process successful people go through as they problem-solve their lives.
Here's the thing. Let's say you're puzzled about something that's going on (or not) in your life. Let's say you're looking for a breakthrough. You need two things:
- The insight about what needs to happen on your end in order to create the change you want
- The courage, persistence, and fortitude to take the action required
It's a two-step process. Not one, two.
Why do I emphasize the obvious?
Because most people have the two steps merged in their minds. They think that gaining the understanding of what's going on is the same thing as taking action on that understanding. It's not. There are two separate steps here. Two, not one.
Why is this so important?
If insight and action were one single step, the person would most likely be unwilling to acknowledge what needs to go differently. Not knowing the change required, they wouldn't know if they were ready to make it. So they'd deny the insight. Instead, their inside conversation would go something like this:
- "I don't know..."
- "I'm not sure..."
- "Well, the expert said it was true, but they might be wrong..."
That's why in the Ultimate Stress-Buster Kit, we break the process down into steps. First you go for the insight. Then you weigh your options.
Is this an action you really want to take right now or not?
If you're ready, you move ahead. If you're not, you don't. But at least you're no longer operating in a fog of not knowing! That's one big step closer to achieving your goal.
Our friend with the question took the first step and got the insight. It's great progress! But she hasn't applied it yet.
Why not?
Well, she hasn't gotten to the next step yet. Come on, one step at a time. Remember?
So basically, she's right on track. :-)
Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
Take our free Less Stress; More Time mini-course!
