Do you ever feel like you’re living in Groundhogs Day?
You wake up with big plans for today to be different, but then somehow you keep doing different versions of the same thing over and over and over again.
No matter how hard you try – you keep reliving the same experience.
You wonder to yourself – “what is going on?!”
First, you need to know that you are not alone in this.
We’ve all been there – trying to change things up or do things differently only to wind up slipping back into old patterns and habits without even realizing it.
Getting out of one crappy relationship only to get into a new and different crappy relationship. Excited to receive a bonus only to end up spending it all and being right back living pay check to pay check. Losing 10 lbs on a new diet only to wind up gaining 15 lbs back in 6 months.
These are all examples of trying to do things differently but ultimately finding yourself in different versions of the same scenario over and over and over again.
The good news is that there’s not only a reason for it, but also something you can do about it.
You’re operating within a framework of well established patterns in your subconscious. Most of which you’re not even aware of.
Think of this like a train on a railroad track. Your actions are the train. Your subconscious is the track.
Riding on the same train that’s riding on the same track will lead you to the same destination – over and over again.
If you want to get to a new destination, you’re going to have to get on a new track.
But before you even go there, recognize that this takes time!
How old are you? That’s how long you’ve been doing things in this way. So expect it take some time to change. If you were to lay a new railroad track across the country and change all the train routes, it’d take a minute – have the same patience with yourself!
Laying a new track is all about tapping into your mindset. Your beliefs are the foundation for your behaviors.
If you want something new and different, yet no matter how hard you try you keep getting the same result, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to check in with your mindset – what are your underlying beliefs?
One great way to do this, is to simply start asking yourself, what’s the story playing out in my head right? What are the thoughts I am thinking. Keep a journal handy to write these down and notice any patterns.
What recurrent themes do you notice (ie. feeling disappointed or let down)? What conclusion do you keep coming to (ie. I have to do everything myself)? What beliefs about yourself and the world keep being “proved” true (ie. I will always be alone, the world is a lonely place)?
This is a great way to get a peek into the window of your mindset.
So where do you go from here?
- Take the list of thoughts, beliefs and patterns that you created and ask yourself, what would I like to believe or know to be true instead?
- When you notice one of those old thoughts or beliefs cropping up, intentionally switch it out with one of your new ones.
- Practice. Practice. Practice.
Remember, mastering a new mindset can take some time, but you have the tools now to lay a new track. The more you practice and are intentional about your thoughts and actions, the quicker you’ll be able to take your train and ride that baby to your new destination!
If you’d like more guidance on mastering your mindset and getting to a new destination, consider 1-on-1 coaching. It’s a great way to get the accountability and support you need to get to where you most want to go!
Click here to learn more about coaching.
Emily