As you move forward into the new year, where would you like to create change? Identifying obstacles to change can help us move out of our comfort zone and find the life we really want.
Why is creating change so challenging?
As human beings, we tend to cling to the familiar, however unsatisfying, rather than forging ahead into uncharted territory. Sometimes we bravely create change but aren’t all the way there. There is no going back but we are uncertain about what going forward looks like!
What are some of the barriers to change for people with ADHD?
Change can require planning and multiple steps: Cognitive challenges like breaking down the steps to move towards a goal or prioritizing can get in the way.
Change requires patience: We have low frustration tolerance and expect change to happen instantly!
We get stuck in our comfort zone: We are used to the familiar and fear the unknown. Living in transition can be uncomfortable.
We have a hard time identifying obstacles: Overwhelm kicks in.
We may not know what kind of help we need or who to ask: We procrastinate and negative talk sets in, making us feel stuck.
We lack confidence and belief in ourselves: We may be unaware of our strengths that other people see easily.
The Stigma related to mental health issues and ADHD: We may have had a negative experience with medication as a child and fear stepping forward today.
Change can feel like a lonely process: We are unsure how to do it and feel as if everyone else has it all together.
Creating new habits is hard: Research shows that it can take eight months to form a new habit, whether you have ADHD or not.
Fear of Failure: In the excellent, quite positive book, Failing Forward, John Maxwell cites many instances of initial failure among very famous people. The important thing is what they learned from it. They learned what didn’t work and discovered what did work. These individuals went on to experience enormous success.
Fear of Success: People with ADHD can fear success as much as failure. If you are used to not feeling good in life, accepting success can feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar. I have heard many people say things like, “I feel like the other shoe is ready to drop,” or “I feel like an imposter," even when good things are happening to them.
Smash Barriers and Create Change! Questions to Ponder:
What are your thoughts and feelings about stepping into the unknown? What are your personal obstacles to change?
Think about a time you took a risk and had a positive outcome. What actions did you take and what factors led to a good result?
What might change in any area look like?
What support do you need? Who can help?
What gifts, talents, personal strengths and transferrable skills do you have? If you are not sure, ask someone who sees the real you!
What tools, strategies or type of accountability partner do you need?
What would you like to say about your life 3 months from now? Six months from now? One year from now?
What is one small step you might take in any area?
Identify your personal barriers to change and watch yourself move forward! Each step forward makes you braver for the next challenge. You live with ADHD, you already know what hard is! Get out of your comfort zone to create the life you really want! You got this!
Need a partner who can help you create change? Schedule a free consultation with an ADHD coach!
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