Why 'One Foot On The Gas, The Other On The Brake' Never Works

In the book, Immunity To Change, the authors explore the hidden reasons why we can never seem to make the change we are committed to make. Think New Year’s Resolutions and why we are admitting defeat before January is done.

We declare we’re making the change. We have all sorts of good reasons to make it. It makes sense to us. We know what we need to do to change.

So, what happens?

An often unspoken, commitment is to the status quo, to keeping things the same. Why? Because it’s a comfortable, safe, well-known, well-practiced habit.

Let’s say you get told you’ve got to start being more active or you’ll end up with a host of medications and a very real threat of a heart attack. What could be a better motivator than that?

A month later, you still haven’t gotten up off the couch. Why? Because it’s a comfortable, safe, well-known, well-practiced habit. And the dire consequences, which are likely very real, are invisible and far off.

This is our immunity to change – one foot on the gas and the other on the brake.

Try this ONE thing

Look at anything you say you are committed to change but haven’t yet changed. Now look for what you are equally committed to that is in opposition. Once you understand that conflict, you’ll begin to see where the real work is.

Want to experience coaching? I like to start with a deep, get-to-know-you conversation to see if we are right for each other. Sometimes we talk for one or two hours at no charge. I have no goal except to bring about transformation. Together we work on the lies, the self-deception, and the fears of the power you perceive to be outside yourself. We work on your difficulties in making decisions and your inability thus far to make bold choices in life and to follow through and trust yourself completely to do so.

The irony for some people is that the very thing that they want the coaching for (an indecisive, half-hearted life) is what’s keeping them from deciding whether to get coaching.

When you’re ready, reach out @ karen.laidlaw.theONEthing@outlook.com. Meanwhile, enjoy the blog!