Why you won’t do what’s good for you, and what happens if you do. Many of us struggle with the motivation to do what we know is good for us. Whether it’s eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, or managing our stress levels, we often find ourselves choosing short-term pleasures over long-term benefits. But why is this the case, and what happens if we do make the choice to prioritize our well-being?
First of all, let’s acknowledge that change can be hard. Really hard. This is where self-awareness comes in. If we can cultivate an awareness of our own patterns of thought and behavior, we can start to recognize when we’re getting in our own way. For example, let’s say you want to start a daily meditation practice. You know that meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety, and you’ve even read some of the research. But when it comes down to actually sitting still and focusing on your breath, you find yourself procrastinating, making excuses, or just feeling too antsy to sit still. Sound familiar? Let’s take a closer look on what’s actually happening in the mind-body.
Hard-Wired Obstacles
1. The Mind Seeks Pleasure
One reason we may struggle to do what’s good for us is that our brains are wired to seek out immediate rewards rather than long-term benefits. In other words, we are more likely to choose a sugary snack or binge-watch TV than to go for a run or meditate. This is because the pleasure centers in our brains are activated more strongly by immediate rewards, even if they are not good for us in the long run. Our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain, so even if we know that something will be good for us in the long run, it can be hard to motivate ourselves in the moment. #Self-awareness
2. We Get In Our Own Way
Additionally, we may have limiting beliefs or negative self-talk that prevent us from taking care of ourselves. We may think we’re too busy, too tired, or that we don’t have enough willpower to make the necessary changes. These beliefs can be deeply ingrained and may require significant effort to overcome.
3. Social Environment
Another common obstacle to doing what’s good for us is the influence of our social environment. Our social environment, as it is at this moment, is a conditioned response of all the experiences and lifestyle habits that we’ve had in the past. We are deeply influenced by the people around us, and if those people don’t value self-care or healthy habits, it can be hard to maintain our own motivation. This is where community comes in. Finding a group of like-minded individuals who share your goals can be incredibly powerful. It can provide accountability, support, and a sense of belonging that makes the hard work feel worth it.
Overcoming Innate Resistance
One of the keys to overcoming this resistance is to start small. Instead of committing to a 30-minute meditation session every day, start with just five minutes. That might sound too easy, but the point is to make the practice so simple that you can’t talk yourself out of it. Once you’ve established a five-minute habit, you can gradually increase the time as your brain starts to associate the practice with a sense of calm and wellbeing.
Of course, none of this is easy. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to be vulnerable and honest with ourselves. But the rewards are worth it. By cultivating self-awareness, starting small, and building community, we can start to shift our patterns of thought and behavior in a more positive direction. And who knows, you might even start to crave those veggies and exercise sessions.
The BIG Benefits to Getting Over Ourselves & Doing The Next Right Thing
All we have to do is get out of our own way.
If we do make the choice to prioritize our well-being, the benefits can be significant.
- Eating a healthy diet, for example, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Regular exercise can improve mood, increase energy levels, and reduce stress. Getting enough sleep can improve cognitive function and boost immune function.
- Managing stress can improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Greater Self-Awareness
- Improved emotional well-being.
By prioritizing self-care, we may feel more confident, empowered, and in control of our lives. We may experience greater self-compassion and self-love, which can have a positive impact on our relationships and overall sense of fulfillment. In conclusion, there are many reasons why we may struggle to do what’s good for us, but the benefits of prioritizing our well-being are significant. By recognizing and addressing the underlying factors that prevent us from taking care of ourselves, we can make positive changes that have a lasting impact on our physical and emotional health. And NOW you know why you won’t do what’s good for you, and what happens if you do!
We’ve all been like Jane:
Despite knowing that regular exercise and a healthy diet are good for her, Jane keeps making excuses and indulging in unhealthy habits because they’re easy habit and happen without thinking. Classic examples of why you won’t do what’s good for you even if you know it’s beneficial.
But we can CHOOSE something different. Remember, Life is the ultimate yoga class.
Next, Check out our Online Course: Mental Health Mastery: A Yogic Approach
References:
- Burke, A., & Lightman, S. (2021). The brain in your body. Harvard Health Publishing.
- Creswell, J. D., & Lindsay, E. K. (2014). How does mindfulness training affect health? A mindfulness stress buffering account. Current directions in psychological science, 23(6), 401-407.
- Harada, T., & Ishii, S. (2018). The effects of social support on mental and physical health. Journal of clinical medicine research, 10(9), 671-678.