Do you ever feel stuck in a loop, repeating the same unproductive patterns despite your best efforts to change?
I've been there. Many high achievers struggle to break bad habits that hold them back. The good news?
With the right mindset and strategies, you can break free and create lasting change.
The Catalyst for Change
The journey to rewiring old habits starts with a firm decision to change—often triggered by a breaking point.
Maybe it's a missed opportunity, a strained relationship, or the realization that your habits are limiting your potential. Whatever the catalyst, it ignites a powerful shift.
That moment when the lightbulb flicks from off to on—you’ve had enough.
And in that moment of clarity, you make a firm decision to change, no matter what it takes. You're burning the boats – there's no going back, only forward.
Subheading: Breaking Old Patterns and Forming New Habits
Deciding to change is just step one. True transformation comes from:
- Honoring Your Past – Instead of shaming old behaviors, recognize they once served a purpose.
- Challenging Limiting Beliefs – Identify what’s holding you back.
- Replacing Old Beliefs with New Ones – Align with your values and goals.
- Taking Small, Consistent Actions – Even tiny steps create momentum.
What Beliefs Are Holding You Back?
Our habits are often fueled by unconscious beliefs.
Take procrastination—one of the top challenges most people tend to come to me for help with. When someone labels themselves as a chronic procrastinator, there's usually an underlying belief fueling that behavior.
You might often find yourself thinking things like:
"I can't plan ahead."
"I'm not able to manage my time effectively."
"There's not enough time to get everything done."
Beneath these beliefs, there may be an even deeper layer related to self-worth, such as "I'm not enough" or "I don't deserve success."
To uncover these beliefs, I recommend a process of self-reflection and questioning.
When working to change a habit, it's important not to vilify or shame your previous behaviors. Instead, treat them with respect. Reflect on your thinking, honor them and recognize that they served a purpose to achieve a certain goal before.
So how do you start moving away from these old habits?
It all starts with your inner-dialogue.
Your brain doesn’t recognize the difference between the stories you’re telling yourself and the truth. You have to shift the way you speak to yourself, and start looking for proof of how the stories are not true.
For example, if you keep saying, “I can’t plan ahead,” look for moments when you have successfully planned—whether it was a trip, a project, or training for a marathon.
Next time you find yourself entering a negative loop, look for that proof that reminds you of what’s true, and then say something that feels true, like: “I’m getting better at planning ahead.” or “I’ve planned ahead before, I can do it again.”
Then, focus on your gratitude for your progress. Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate how good it feels to be improving, congratulate yourself. If you feel resistant, I remind you: What you focus on, grows.
Note: Don’t skip ahead to something like “I’m excellent at planning ahead!” because that won’t feel true in your body, and it will set off the alarms in your brain as a lie, which can feel like danger, triggering a whole new stress response.
Overcoming People-Pleasing and Self-Advocacy
I used to avoid correcting people when they mispronounced my name (it’s MarEEsa, not MarISSa). As a shy child, this behavior helped me avoid conflict and stay under the radar.
But as an adult, I realized it wasn’t serving me—it was silencing me.
Shifting this deep-seated belief took time, but once I aligned my actions with my values of self-expression and confidence, everything changed.
Rewiring Your Mindset for Growth
To break unproductive patterns, ask yourself:
- Does this belief support who I want to become?
- Is it aligned with my values and goals?
- What new belief would better serve me?
Then, replace the old belief with a new, empowering one: ✔ I manage my time effectively. ✔ I deserve rest. ✔ I can excel without pressure.
Write these down. Keep them visible. Affirm them daily.
Small Actions = Big Change
Rewiring habits isn’t about massive, overnight shifts. It’s about small, consistent actions.
Start small. Stay consistent. Celebrate progress.
Your Journey Starts NOW
Choose one unproductive habit to change today. Commit to one small step toward breaking that cycle.
And for more strategies like this, follow me on social media—I share practical tips to help high achievers like you gain more - more impact, time, energy, and ease.
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