By Shawnmari Kaiser, LISW, LCSW
You have determined the change you want to make, set goals for yourself, as well as determined the tasks that will bring you success. Now it’s time to do the work! But with action, comes the possibility of counter–action which, sometimes leaves you in conflict regarding this new adventure you are on.
Now who would have thought to bring physics into the behavior change process? But as crazy as it sounds, Sir Isaac Newton is just the man we want to tell us what to expect when you push off in your new direction of life. Newton’s third law of motion “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” provides a warning that can ensure your success.
Counter-action can occur when you attempt to put energy toward a new behavior. This counter-action comes in the form of triggers calling you back, enticing you back, attempting to drag you back to your old lifestyle, attitude or behavior. Triggers can become roadblocks aimed at derailing you from your goals.
If you are working on a change The Lord has nudged you toward, then the challenge may come in the form of the old human nature not wanting to give ground to the new nature in Christ that the Holy Spirit is guiding you toward (Colossians 3:10). When the temptations come in thoughts, remember 2 Corinthians 10:5 where we are encouraged to bring every thought captive in Christ.
Take time to assess where you might be vulnerable. Places that may leave you susceptible, people that may discourage your change, or memories of indulgences. The more you are able to identify situations that can derail you the better the chances of successfully accomplishing your goal. This is where perseverance, the Word, prayer and remembering the value of the goal you have set will keep you in motion toward the goal.
Next time let’s look at arriving at your goal. With celebration comes the need to develop a maintenance plan to avoid relapse into old behaviors.
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