This Unlocking Change: Do You Need Pain As Your Motivator For Transformation blog article is personal, having experienced enough trauma to motivate me to create changes in my diet to recover from an illness.
Why could I not make changes before that?
I had many warning signs from my body years before, acne, weight gain, insomnia, low energy.
But it wasn’t until the pain and discomfort and the worsening symptoms started to have an impact on my day to day life did I sit up and take notice.
Does this resonate with you too?
Let’s explore why there is a phenomenon of needing a particular level of pain or discomfort to drive change.
While it might seem counterintuitive, there are psychological and physiological reasons behind this pattern.
1. Comfort Zone and Inertia
Human beings tend to be creatures of habit, seeking comfort and stability in their lives. When everything seems to be running smoothly, there may be little motivation to disrupt the status quo, even if there are underlying issues that need addressing. It is only when faced with significant discomfort or pain that the need for change becomes more apparent.
2. Crisis as a Catalyst
In moments of emotional or physical crisis, our attention becomes sharply focused on the issue at hand. A sudden illness or a life-altering event forces individuals to confront the reality of their situation and consider alternatives they may have previously overlooked.
3. Shifting Priorities
Experiencing pain or discomfort can cause a fundamental shift in an individual’s priorities. What may have seemed important before suddenly takes a back seat to the urgency of resolving the source of their distress. This shift in focus can provide the necessary drive to initiate change.
4. Motivation through Survival
In cases of severe illness or terminal conditions, the instinct for self-preservation becomes a powerful motivator. The prospect of losing one’s health or life can push individuals to make drastic changes in their lifestyle or seek treatment options they might have resisted earlier.
5. Empathy and Connection
Emotional or physical pain can create empathy and a deeper connection with others who have experienced similar struggles. This shared understanding can lead to the realization that change is not only possible but necessary for growth and well-being.
6. Radical Shift in Perspective
Dealing with significant pain or discomfort can shatter preconceived notions and lead to a radical shift in perspective. It opens individuals up to new possibilities and alternative ways of living, allowing them to embrace change more willingly.
7. Psychological Resilience
Some individuals have a higher threshold for tolerating discomfort and are more adaptable to change. However, for others, experiencing a certain level of pain becomes an essential trigger for developing the psychological resilience needed to confront challenges and initiate change.
In summary, the phenomenon of requiring a specific level of pain or discomfort to motivate change is rooted in the complexities of human nature.
While it may not be universally true for everyone, for many individuals, confronting significant emotional or physical challenges can be a catalyst for transformation and lead to a more focused and determined approach to change.
And what’s more exciting is that when one takes the first step to change and starts to see and feel results, finding motivation to continue gets easier as inner strength, confidence and shifts in perspectives continue to grow.
Ready to take the first step?
Try my 7 Day Raw Food Plan. Easy recipes, meal plan, shopping list and just a week of eating high raw vegan gives you that inner strength and confidence you need to keep growing your motivation muscle.
:)
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