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If I’ve learned one thing over 25+ years serving weight loss clients, it’s that fear of change is what underlies many people’s failure to act against their unhealthy lifestyle. Although their current situation is unsatisfying, the unknown (factors, reactions, experiences) that would accompany change is even more frightening to them.
Many use their weight as a barrier, as protection. They know what it would take to be successful “losers” but, unconsciously, struggle with what they’d have to face if they let go of old ways of coping via eating. Making changes to their diet, losing weight, getting slim and healthy might bring other changes they’re not ready to face, such as feeling more vulnerable to others.
I’ve been told by countless clients who struggled with this inner conflict for many years that it was only when a fear of what might happen if they didn’t change (e.g., health problems, not keeping up with and enjoying their children, loss of intimacy with a spouse) became greater than the fear of what would happen if they did, that they were able to commit to losing weight.
Change is risky, folks, but without it, growth slows to a grinding halt.
