As a species, humans can be pretty change-adverse. We like routine, even if the outcome is slightly disappointing. We like to be “safe” in our predictable bubbles. The problem is, eventually, there isn’t much room for growth in that bubble. If nothing changes, well, nothing changes. If you are unhappy with your weight but don’t change your food, nothing will change. If you are tired of not being able to keep up with your grandkids, cheering them on from the sidelines won’t get you in shape.

I once worked with a lady who was unhappy with her weight. She meticulously weighed and measured the same foods every day for 5 years. When I suggested we make changes, she was reluctant, to put it mildly. Why? Fear of the unknown. It was pretty apparent what she was doing wasn’t giving her the results she wanted, but what if a change made it worse? That fear of the unknown is an understandable sticking point for people. The dreaded “what ifs” of trying something new. What if I gain weight? What if I fail?

Left unchecked, that fear can be paralyzing.

So what do you do? Sure, you can stay with safe and predictable (even if that means life is stagnant), or you take a risk. Now, before you completely shut me down, I’m not suggesting you quit your job to try life as an Influencer in Puerto Vallarta. However, I want you to think through some of those “what if” scenarios that come up every time you think about making changes.

For example, what if you try a new way of eating? What is the worst-case scenario? Yes, you might gain weight, but you aren’t going to gain 20 pounds overnight or over the next month. Maybe you worry you will have wasted time spinning your wheels? Sure, maybe you do find that after four weeks, you notice no improvement. Now you know that way of eating doesn’t work for you and you can move on. However, not making any changes, being so afraid of going down the wrong path that you take no steps isn’t getting you anywhere either.

My point being the initial fear that most of us experience when contemplating change is a normal and uncomfortable response. It is our mind trying to keep us “safe.” However, if you don’t question the rationality of that fear, you will find it is pretty hard to get outside your bubble. In other words, you will not die broke and alone in the desert if you try Macros or Keto or give up bread for a month.

Next time you think about taking a step outside your comfort zone, pay attention to what feelings and thoughts arise. Are these legitimate concerns? Or is your mind being overprotective?