How to Conquer the Struggle to Change

How to Change

Instant gratification is a big problem in our society. We have become accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it. Being patient and open to change is no easy task.

Changing your body, your nutrition, and your lifestyle are no different. You want to be more fit, eat better, and be happier now.

But change is not that easy. There’s a critical part of change that we all want to avoid.

The struggle.

The struggle isn’t sexy, or fun, or quickly over so you can just move on with a shiny, new life.

The struggle doesn’t tell you along the way that IT is actually a vital part of your transformation.

Change cannot happen without the struggle for it provides the opportunity to triumph on the journey of self-discovery and refinement.

How to Change

Change comes from finally recognizing the destructive cycles you’ve kept yourself trapped in. Change comes when you’re finally ready to make a different choice.

Portia Nelson, an American actress, singer, and writer knew all about the struggle on the journey to change. She wrote about it in her famous poem, Autobiography in Five Short Chapters.

May it offer you a glimmer of recognition so that you can embrace the struggle and evolve into who you are meant to become.

Chapter 1

I walk, down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I fall in

I am lost . . .    I am helpless

It isn’t my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don’t see it.

I fall in again.

I can’t believe I am in the same place.

But, it isn’t my fault.

It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3

I walk down the same street

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it there.

I still fall in . . .            it’s a habit.

My eyes are open.

I know where I am.

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

Chapter 4

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

Chapter 5

I walk down another street.

In Love & Gratitude,

Signature missi

Missi Holt

P.S. What do you think about this poem? Does it resonate with you and how you feel about change? Let me know on Facebook.

Missi Holt

Missi Holt is the fitness and nutrition editor for Early to Rise. She is a master nutrition therapist, certified yoga trainer, Certified Turbulence Trainer and an NSCA certified personal trainer (CPT). She also provides fitness and nutrition therapy through her own organization, Whole Life Health.