The desire to grow means being open to stepping into a new, expanded version of ourselves. For example, wanting to be more mindful, live more simply, be more compassionate with yourself or others, or be more disciplined about your work are all new potential versions of you. They expand beyond your old way of seeing yourself.
When we try something new, want to grow in our relationships, or quit a bad habit, we’re trying to shed the current way we see ourselves. However, our current self-view is like gravity, keeping us rooted in how we are now. Be more mindful .
Your current way of mindlessly moving through life holds you back with habitual patterns and distractions. Live more simply . Decluttering your current life brings up fears of letting things go, affecting such behaviors as impulse shopping.
Be more disciplined . Your procrastinator self will resist being disciplined and thwart your efforts. Try something new .
Your now comfortable self will throw up resistance to change and your desire to try new things. Quit a bad habit . The current voice in your head will say, “Just one more time won’t hurt,” “Why are you making yourself suffer?” or “You deserve this reward,” to keep you harnessed to old habits.
1. Set an Intention for an Expanded Self 2. Practice the Actions You’ve Set Commit to practicing the new actions every day, or at least, most days—giving yourself brief breaks can be part of the process, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
3. Notice When a.
