Change: Lasting vs. Instant

We all want change to take place quickly. No matter what we are doing, we prefer results that come quickly rather than slowly. Maybe it is our society, technology or any number of things, but the point is, no matter what change we are trying to make, there is someone out there telling us they have found a faster (and often easier) way to accomplish it.

On one hand, you can make changes very easily, but on the other it can be a major challenge. Even making the same change can be easy or hard, depending on many factors. How is it that changes are both difficult and simple? It is because there are two types of change. There is instant change (or a quick fix), which is not difficult at all. And there is lasting change (or a long term solution), which is generally more difficult.

What is the difference between lasting and instant change? Lasting change is change that is brought on by a process of habit forming behavior. The key word is habit. As the habit is formed and becomes more natural, it becomes easier to sustain the change over the long term. Instant change does not typically achieve this, since it usually comes on quickly and with little planning. Instant change is change that is done quickly and hastily with no emphasis on habit or long term results. For that reason, it is difficult to sustain the instant change for a long period of time since it is so unnatural.

How do you make lasting changes? It starts with a game plan. Figuring out where you are, where you want to go and setting goals to get there. Now, when I say goal, I don’t mean a weight, size or any other number. Another key to lasting change is focus on the behavior or action involved. For example: If you set your goal: running on the treadmill for 30 minutes on three days per week during lunch break, your results will be weight loss. Many people fall short or can’t sustain change because they are focused on the result they want. If anyone could close their eyes and have weight come off through concentration, they would be the most incredible people on earth. We know that concentration alone does not produce results. Action produces results. So our goals have to be based on action. We know what the result will be, so all we have to focus on is the goal and the results will follow.

It is to It is easier than you think to make lasting change; it just takes longer than instant change. But when you look at the big picture, once the change is made, generally it sticks because it is gradual and well planned. Using logic, one can conclude that it is easier to gradually make a change over a long period of time and have it stick than to keep trying over and over again to quickly achieve the same change. We focus so much on not only results, but quick results, that we end up creating unrealistic expectations. These expectations lead us to impatience when we don’t see instant results and to disappointment when we fall short. Therefore, this cycle hinders future attempts at change.

Remember, the key is to focus on the actions. As long as we set goals around action and do these actions, results will follow. The result is directly proportional to the action. Action that takes place over a few days will have impact on a few days. Action that takes place over the course of your life will have impact on the course of your life. In other words, healthy actions lead to healthy results. If you want to live healthy, you have to do healthy things!