6 common mindset blocks to creating healthy habits & how to overcome them

Learn simple ways to work through self-limiting beliefs that make us resistance to change

We tend to be our own worst enemies when it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes and often lack awareness of how our mindset and beliefs prevent us from taking action towards the things we desire. In order to get from point A to point B, we need to take action, which is where a lot of people get hung up: they don't ever take action, but why? Before we can take action we need to address whats holding us back from taking action. Just like building a house, lasting habit change starts with a strong foundation, and a blueprint. In terms of behavior change, we must start by cultivating a strong mindset, setting goals, and forming a strong "why" for wanting to do something.

"Your why must be more powerful than your excuses" -Tony Robbins

As you embark on any new challenging pursuit you must take inventory of your why, and this will ultimately help keep you motivated, and overcome challenges and mindset blocks.

Common mindset blocks & coaching tools to get through them

1. Lack of time: "I don't have enough time to be healthy"

Is it lack of “time,” or is it really lack of boundaries, disorganization, inefficiency, or lack of clear priorities? What are your top three core values? Take inventory of how you spend your time, and whether or not it is in alignment with your core values. Think about the effects of being healthier: more energy, focus, productivity, better mood, less stress, which can ultimately free up more time or help you optimize the time you do have.

2. Feeling deprived: "But I will have to give up my sweets"

Instead of focusing on what you will be giving up, think about what you will gain. What are some things you might gain by making healthier choices? What might you actually be depriving yourself of by not being healthy, and living up to your full potential? Changing to a healthier lifestyles is not about deprivation, it is an exchange. You are substituting one habit for a healthier habit, that will ultimately lead to greater health, abundance, and fulfillment. Moderation is key, for example you might need to give up binging on sweets, but you can still have sweets, and find new healthier versions of sweets.

3. Lack of resources: "I can't afford to be healthy"

Think about health as an investment, creating healthy habits now to prevent disease and disability is a lot cheaper in the long run than acquiring medical bills, surgeries, hospitalizations, and prescriptions. Similar to managing time, take inventory of how you spend your money, and whether or not it is in alignment with your core values. Switch to a less is more mentality when it comes to health. We are on overload with new and expensive “health” promoting gadgets, treatments, and supplements, but remember it is about going back to the basics of healthy diet, movement, hydration, getting natural light, and supporting your mental health. These basics do not need to cost a lot.

4. Peer pressure: "My friends, co-workers, and family are unhealthy, and will judge me if I change." "I have too many parties to attend with the holidays approaching."

Accept that it is ok to be the influencer and not the influenced. You do you. Gain confidence in living a life true to your authentic self, and not for others. Life's too short for that. Those who unconditionally love and care for you will support and accept your growth and change, and you might need to re-consider close relationships with those who are unsupportive and judgmental. Begin to take an introspective look at the root cause of people pleasing, need to conform, insecurity, and fear of judgment. These might be from old wounds and stories. What are you afraid of losing, or feeling? Always have a plan for social gatherings (bring your own healthy dish, eat before you go, learn to say no when you don’t want to do something, suggest healthy activities with friends in substitution for unhealthy ones).

5. Travel and work demands: "I can’t stay healthy because I travel or work a lot."

Where there is a will there is a way. Planning and preparation is essential, learn how to order healthy when eating out, find a nearby store to load up on fruit and healthy snacks for your hotel room, limit after work drinking, prep meals in advance, find home workouts you can do with minimal gym equipment, take advantage of the hotel gym, squeeze in a lunch break workout, or walk or bike to work. It's not the travel or work that makes you unhealthy, it is the habits you have while traveling and working. Healthy habits look different for everyone and just need to be adjusted to your unique lifestyle and work demands.

1. Low self-worth: "I am not worthy of caring for myself. I have to put everyone before me"

This is a tough one requiring inner work to re-write the narrative. What old story is it that you are telling yourself, and what is a new one you can replace it with? I see this one a lot in people who have had difficult childhoods, early childhood trauma, co-dependency issues, and those in caregiver roles. Begin by releasing self-judgement and negative self-talk, and participate in daily positive affirmations. Other methods to improve your sense of self-worth include healing unresolved trauma, establishing a mindfulness or spiritual practice, exploring co-dependancy patterns, and prioritizing time for self-care and reflection. Know you are enough and worthy of the life you desire exactly how you are without having to “prove yourself.” Learn to place value on who you are intrinsically as a person, versus external things such as your job title, relationship, money, and status.

Don't forget to have a beginner’s mindset. Integrating a new lifestyle or habit will take time, effort, motivation, and a learning curve. Be patient with the process and know that every small step can lead to big changes. Avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism and procrastination – there’s no such thing as perfect, and procrastination is ultimately not taking you anywhere but where you already are.

Working with a coach can help you identify common barriers and forms of resistance to develop and implement an individualized plan for lasting habit change with greater accountability and guidance. Click programs tab to learn more about my 6-month Total Health Reset coaching program.

Are you motivated to reach your wellness goals but feeling like you could use some guidance and accountability? Click here to apply for my 6 month Total Health Reset coaching program, and schedule your free discovery call when accepted to see if its a good fit!

Always feel free to comment below on any takeaways, thoughts, or requests for more content!