Pillar 2: The Psychological
It’s Not Your Fault
Have you ever wondered why it is so easy to develop plans of action, yet so difficult to execute them?
While it is true that humans excel at problem solving and planning, the machinery with which our biology operates is more
primitive in nature.
Specifically, our brain operates on a survival basis. All actions (planning, organizing, etc.) from the higher portions of our brain are translated down to the lower regions relating to survival. Truly, the lower brain operates in a binary fashion: Move towards pleasure (safety) and away from pain (danger).
Motivation: Less Than Half of the Story
Perhaps you have experienced times of heightened motivation, only to be disappointed when this motivation tapers off. In fact, this is precisely how motivation waxes and wanes. Congratulations: you are human!
The trick, however, is to know how to leverage these motivational waves for success. Most people attempt to accomplish many things at once when motivation is high, but as motivation diminishes, the individual is forced to use exhaustive efforts through willpower.
Admittedly, willpower (effortful work, or action despite not "feeling" like doing so) has its uses. Specifically, it is used for one time actions, like emergencies; it is used as a last line of defense. Willpower, however, should not be used for long periods of time to create a new lifestyle. This is not how you are designed.
Offloading Willpower Through Environmental Design
So then, you might be wondering, “What is the secret to harnessing the powers of motivation?” The answer is through environmental design. Essentially, all motivational energy is directed towards creating an enriched environment that assists you in achieving your goals.
The trick, however, is to only create these one-time changes when you are motivated. Through this, you learn how to create sustainable change. The best part is when you are unmotivated, which inevitably will happen, your environment is working for you, not against you.
Habit Formation: The Missing Piece
Just as there is calm water beneath the tides of the ocean, so too is there consistent energy that rests below the waves of motivation. In order to create the fastest change possible in a sustainable way, all of your motivational resources must be utilized. Thankfully, through the use of habits, we can make daily progress towards our goals while still maintaining motivation.
Make no mistake, there is a proper way to implement habits; failure to understand the anatomy of a habit will lead to a breakdown in the system.
Most make the mistake of starting complex habits without any experience of successful habit integration (New Year's resolutions, anyone?). Failed attempts not only provide zero benefit, but demoralize the individual into making any sustainable change. If your only experience with change has been failure, how will you ever succeed?
My advice: Start by learning the anatomy of a habit and obey its principles so that sustainable change is achieved without failure.
Mental Reprogramming
Admittedly, our society has programmed us to struggle in an attempt to change. No more! In order to make a sustainable change, and enjoy the process, you must do it through this motivational model. There is no better way. With this, along with the infinite purpose derived in Pillar 1: The Metaphysical, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
After all, ultimate health is a state where both mind and body function optimally.
A Perfect Model for Sustainable Change
So then, is there a simple image we can visualize in order to make this process of change simpler? There is. This model is a simple staircase.
First, the steps function as the model for habit formation. It is a gradual and methodical process. Secondly, the handrails function as the environmental design: As you need assistance, you fall to the quality of the environment you create for yourself. Lastly, elevation is a gradual process, and given that there is only one staircase in front of you, focus is honed on the objective.
While this functions as a general model for change, when it comes to health, specifics need to be discussed.
In The 7 Pillars of Health Foundational Program, not only are the above concepts integrated seamlessly into a formidable plan, but a step-by-step guide is created to ensure your success. Nothing is unaccounted for; everything is laid bare.
