The Core Reason Why Building Habits is Hard
In the book Atomic Habits, James Clear discusses why building habits is hard for most people.
People make a few small changes, fail to see tangible results, and then decide to stop.
This can be seen in people who begin running for a month but do not see any changes in the way they look. They may begin to think that their efforts are not working and let go of their good habits.
The same can be true for people who start hitting the gym consistently for the first time.
The Power of Compounding
Habits like eating better and exercising regularly require consistent effort and patience.
Many people expect massive results from making minor changes. The truth is that minor changes result in minor results, and this is normal.
Small changes made consistently over time can result in significant changes. These minor changes compound over time and eventually become noticeable to others.
Plateaus and The Plateau of Latent Potential
Plateaus are a natural part of the process, and they can be discouraging. The hard work is in the period of time before you break through this plateau, because it's during this period when it seems like you are not making any progress.
The question you have to answer is: are you willing to stick with those habits long enough to overcome a plateau that James Clear terms as the Plateau of Latent Potential?
Focus on the Process
The key is to focus on the process and not on the outcome. If you focus on the outcome, you may become discouraged when you do not see immediate results. However, if you focus on the process, you will see that you are making progress, even if it is slow.
Building habits is hard because it requires consistent effort and patience. People often give up when they do not see immediate results, but it is important to remember that minor changes result in minor results.
Plateaus are a natural part of the process, and it is important to keep going even when it seems like you are not making progress. Focus on the process, and you will eventually see the results that you want.
Working with a coach who understands the process of how to build habits can be one of your greatest assets. Connect with one of our coaches today to master the science and art of building better habits.