Beyond Awareness: The Path to Real Change

Most of us know how important it is to reduce weight, do more exercise, eat the right kind of healthy food or spend less time on social media and interact with real people, yet most of us fail to change. Why? There is ample self-awareness and knowledge of the desired outcome, but it is not enough. What is missing? I looked back at some examples of my life, including when and how I achieved changes and when I failed to do them.

I wanted to reduce weight for several years, but this only started one day when my grown-up son gifted me a fitness watch. Suddenly, I became aware of the calories I burn every day. This simple change in my life gave me the first measurement to record my activity. Luckily, mobile apps to record calories were available, though they were not perfect. I worked out my plan, creating a deficit of a few calories daily like a self-styled "Eklavaya." In a couple of weeks, I could measure the difference. Motivated, I continued, and what I could not do in 27 years happened in 12 weeks.

After starting coaching practice, I decided to write a blog every week and then Hindi poetry, too and post them. To get creative artwork help, Saurabh of ESS Design became my accountability partner. He constantly reminded me, so I wrote over 50 blogs and about 35 poems. But then I decided to work without an accountability partner, and pressures diverted my focus due to an emotional disturbance. The writing stopped, and to pick up again has become a challenge.

Self-awareness is the starting point; it helps us recognize our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and understand how they influence results. It comes through self-reflection and by seeking feedback. Then comes the decision on what we want to achieve. Just knowing what the destination should look like does not bridge the gap between the present and the desired future. But goals without a strategy are just dreams. Without a practical plan, people often fail to turn intentions into reality.

What to Do to Bring About Real Change

1. Create Specific, Measurable Goals: It's not enough to want to "get fit" or "be more productive." Break goals down into actionable, measurable steps. For example, burn 300 calories by walking or other activities and reduce intake by 200 calories. It is small and easy to follow.
2. Develop New Habits: Change happens through repetition. Start by introducing small, manageable habits that can be built upon over time. In my case, I could see the calorie gap every day.
3. Accountability Systems: Make sure to have someone who can remind you, such as a family member, friend, coach or a mobile app. It's not about controlling you; it's about supporting you. Regular check-ins and feedback provide external motivation, reminding you that you're not alone in this journey.
4. Restructure Your Environment: If your environment contributes to the behavior you want to change, make adjustments. For instance, if you are trying to focus on work but keep getting distracted by social media, consider removing apps from your phone or working in a different space where you are less likely to be distracted.
5. Accept Setbacks and Learn from them: Accept setbacks and don't get discouraged; learn from them. Change is not a straight path. Practice self-compassion as it helps build resilience, which is crucial for long-term change.

Knowing what we want and what holds us back are the starting points. Doing repetitive actions, increasing factors to create a supportive atmosphere, and accountability are critical components of personal transformation. You can achieve real and lasting change by integrating these elements into a structured approach.