Be Cautious Of the ‘In the Moment’ Emotions
We’ve all been there. The resolution to eat healthier crumbles when you’re eyeing that gooey slice of pizza. The commitment to exercise fades the moment you whisper, “I just don’t feel like it today… maybe later.” And of course, there’s the promise to be calm and patient with your child, right up until the chaos strikes, and your emotions hijack the wheel.
And what about happiness, and the intention to focus on what feels good? The moment we have a smidge of negative emotion, we run with it – completely forgetting our intention to stay positive!
Here’s the truth: Most of us decide what to do based on how we feel in the moment. And why wouldn’t we? It’s immediate. It’s powerful. It’s persuasive. But it’s also unreliable, fickle, and often misaligned with what we really want.
Think of the times you planned to make a change, only to hear that quiet voice in your head say, “I’m not up for it… I’ll handle it later.” If you allow those feelings to dictate your actions, progress becomes a rare and fleeting thing.
Why Feelings Are Misleading
Feelings often mislead us because they prioritize comfort and familiarity over growth and fulfillment. They shout, “Stay on the couch!” when your deeper intention is to be fit and energetic. They encourage you to scroll endlessly instead of writing, working, or connecting with loved ones. Feelings are like a bad GPS that’s been sabotaged by your comfort-seeking brain.
When we make choices based on how we feel, we grant power to the most immediate, loudest voice in the room-often the one begging for comfort, not growth. It’s no surprise that this path rarely leads to the life we desire.
Yet, these choices are easily understood. That familiar voice that keeps us stagnant is running on patterned and well-worn neural networks in the brain. And this is why we have habits, both good and bad, that are difficult to change. However, change is not beyond reach.
Fueling Intentions with Your “Why”
Intentions matter. But the real magic lies in your “why.” That deeper meaning and purpose behind your choices gives them staying power. Without that, intentions are like balloons-lofty and beautiful but easily blown off course.
When you build habits aligned with your intentions, guided by your “why,” you begin to craft a life that truly works. Your “why” might be your health, your children, a stronger sense of life satisfaction, better relationships, or breaking free from the endless scroll of social media. Whatever it is, your “why” can provide immense clarity and energy to keep moving forward.
The more precise and meaningful your “why,” the stronger its pull. It’s not just about listing generic goals. It’s about connecting emotionally with your intention. If you want better relationships, then envision the warmth and joy of true connection. If you crave more life satisfaction, feel the relief of breaking free from habits that steal your time and energy. Feel that freedom of being in control of your destiny! That emotional connection makes your “why” powerful and brings it to life.
Putting This Into Practice
- Define Your Why: Identify what truly matters to you. Is it your health? Your relationships? Greater life satisfaction or reducing the grip of social media? Write it down and keep it visible. Reflect on it daily to keep your focus sharp and motivation strong.
- Build Incrementally for Lasting Change: Success is rarely built overnight. Begin with one small, new habit-just one. Whether it’s taking a 10-minute walk every day or limiting social media to specific times, focus on integrating that habit consistently before moving on to the next. Small wins build momentum, and progress compounds over time.
- Act Despite How You Feel: Feelings will always try to nudge you back into comfort. But they’re not the boss. Your intentions are. Act on your plans even when motivation is nowhere to be found. Consistency, not momentary enthusiasm, drives real change.
- Review, Adjust, and Strengthen: Regularly assess your progress. If a habit isn’t producing the desired results, refine it. Build upon your successes by adding new habits only when the foundation is solid.
Breaking Free From Stuck Patterns
It’s easy to feel trapped by old habits and unproductive emotional patterns. But change is always possible. When you clarify your intentions, stay connected to your “why,” and take consistent action-even when you don’t feel like it-you can break free from the cycles that have kept you stuck.
At Capital District Neurofeedback, we understand the challenge of battling against ingrained patterns. Neurofeedback offers a proven, non-invasive way to help your brain function more effectively, promoting balance, resilience, and emotional regulation. It’s a tool that helps reinforce the very habits you’re working to build, by shifting those very neural pathways that keep us stuck!
Remember: You have the power to create the change you seek. It’s not about waiting for motivation to strike-it’s about building a life where your actions are aligned with your deeper “why.” Neurofeedback can be part of that journey, but the real key is your commitment to taking action, day after day, in pursuit of what truly matters to you.
