As a dietitian, one of the biggest client frustrations I hear is, “I know what I should be eating, but I just can’t do it.” The problem isn’t often a lack of general information, but situationally specific information, and understanding goals, unmet needs and personally appropriate strategies, to alter your environment & the habits which hold you back. So, It’s absolutely not about willpower, but about mindset, behaviors, and making changes step by step.
There are some key misconceptions about change that really need clearing up for people who seek better health. A lot of people get stuck because they’re looking for quick fixes by brute force, but real change is an art that takes time and sensitivity. Setbacks are a normal part of the learning journey. What’s important is reviewing how the miss-steps and mistakes actually came to be and then tweaking your plans and strategies to accommodate and overcome the hurdles. I notice that clients neglect to celebrate small wins along the way, ultimately invalidating their hard work and which make each milestone feel few and far between. This leads to people having big lapses in motivation or giving up altogether. The trick is, being in the journey for the long haul and developing the tenacity to make it all happen.
See the figure below for a real-world view of what a true change journey looks like.
My role is to master the process of change. I help people clarify their goals and understand what they’re truly aiming for. We start by unpacking what they already bring to the table—their strengths, knowledge, and skills (BCOM). From there, I help them upskill in areas where they need growth and guide them through the process of change. I walk alongside them, offering support, new information and strategies when they face setbacks or plateaus, helping them gain perspective on what’s really going on. And importantly, I remind them to celebrate their wins along the way.