A Change of PACE

Last week I introduced the concept of “A Change of PACE”. In that article I mentioned that change has a structure. There are indeed five components to the structure of change in which A Change of PACE goes through. The components are Environmental/Physical, Logical, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual. These five components make up the structure of change and frankly most problems that we confront. Let us look at these five briefly.

Environmental/Physical

Change occurs within an environment (real or imagined) or a physical biological structure. I know that sounds Zen. Here is the reality though. Let us talk about weight since I introduced it last time. If I want to “change” my weight I must consider a few things. Weight is a concept. We measure weight as mass times the gravity pulling on it. (Sent you back to school didn’t I). The constant here is gravity, but my mass can be adjusted. That mass can be defined in all types of ways --medically, nutritionally, and otherwise. Here is the point. Trying to adjust my mass will be affected by where I am, who I am with, what foods I eat or are available to me; and the lifestyle requirements of the environment that I live. Simply put if I live in a physical and or biological environment that is not conducive to me adjusting my mass, I will not lose weight as readily as I might if I was in an advantageous environment. To effect change sometimes the environment must be adjusted, reimagined, or overcome in order to have a more favorable environment for lasting effect. If my environment consists of a lifestyle of sedentary work and leisure or my environment consists of highly addictive and non-healthy food, or I exist among predominantly unhealthy, unsupportive individuals, losing weight will be difficult.

Logical

Change must first exist in the mind. Why did I come up with the need to lose weight? Is there a logical reason for me that identifies why I need to lose weight? I have heard people say, I need to lose weight to fit into a particular pair of jeans. I need to lose weight for a special occasion. I need to lose weight to look good, to attract someone else; perhaps its to be healthy. Having a logical reason why you want to lose weight will determine your change plan; how successful it will be and the motivation for doing it. If you are trying to lose weight for some temporary reason it is likely that you will lose weight temporarily and have no real change. There are other ways to lose weight (mass). If you want to lose weight you can decide to have surgery, or take a pill etc. Yet none of those things have not brought about real change or at least healthy permanent change. There is a Why, a deep seeded reason sometimes beyond our near conscious mind that is driving a true need for change. Once you know logically what that why is then you can knowingly take logical, healthy methodical decisions to help you change. I’ll add here that the logical component does not provide the deep motivation for change, but the decision mechanism for it.

Social

The Social component of change is a very powerful one. Change does not occur outside of the other. The other may be our spouse, our children, our workmates, our social circles, our social expected norms to include social media. Ever noticed what someone does when they lose lots of weight? They post it, they flaunt it, they look for the social acceptance of their big change. When you lose weight or achieve anything thing for that matter, you notice and the person seeking to change wants and almost needs someone else to notice. They are looking for a reaction, usually approval that reinforces their logical reason for making the change in the first place. It is this component of change that is often overlooked. It is one of the reasons that morbidly obese persons who end up having surgery to reduce their weight are encouraged to have therapy. It’s important to understand that your desire to change did not happen in a vacuum. Additionally, as you analyze the social component, It is important to consider whether the social features of change are beneficial currently or will be in the future. No matter what happens, whether you are successful or not in your change journey there will be social repercussion, both positive and negative. Once one variable adjusts or changes, it will, must cause others in the ecosystem to adjust as well. Do not underestimate this component!

Emotional

The emotional component of change is also very powerful. Emotions are truly an engine of action/inaction. It is a main motivator towards or away from any issue. We will stay on topic with losing weight. Not only would losing weight cause physiological adjustments but emotional/mental adjustments as well. One may feel fulfilled, accomplished, content, satisfied, happy if they accomplish their goal or feel that way while seeking their goal. A person can also feel sadness, defeat, hopeless, lonely etc. when they do not achieve or while they are attempting to reach a goal. What I am talking about is just the tip of the iceberg. Sometimes the underlying feeling may be THE reason why the weight gain exists in the first place. Understanding this feature and sometimes needing to address the emotion and the thoughts, memories related to the emotions is necessary if change is to occur. This critical component maybe the ultimate saboteur to your goals. It is why losing and maintaining weight for some is very difficult. Not paying attention to and or addressing/confronting where necessary the underlying emotion will circumvent your change process leaving you stuck. I will leave this one for another article as this is very complex area and needs to be fleshed out more.

Spiritual

This is a big one. Maybe THE big one at least for some (many actually). I’m a Christian and I am coming from a Christian Worldview, but I also respect that many in my audience may not be, so let me say this. To simplify I am going to refer to values, and beliefs when I speak of the spiritual component. Here is the deal. When you operate outside of your beliefs and values you will sabotage yourself from making change. We are still talking about weight so will stay consistent. I believe the bible tells me how to live healthy and live a long life and provides information for me to do so. If I operate outside of that belief I will not seek to change. What results is not only no weight loss, but I now begin to feel guilt, shame, and remorse for acting against my own conscious. Any of these three will guarantee that I remain stuck because what follows is depression or anxiety and for some despair. Check around you and notice those who are trying to lose weight or make a change and are having a difficult time see if they are anxious or depressed, feel guilt, shame or regret. The truth is if you want to change your spiritual component must be addressed. What do you believe, what are your deeply held values? For example, if your deeply held values and beliefs lead you to forgiving others but you are not forgiving yourself and others, your weight loss journey will be very difficult, and perhaps near impossible to maintain. It is critical that you align all of the components of the structure of change to ensure the best outcome on your change journey.

If you have questions or concerns or need help in your change journey contact KNUSTART, LLC at KNUSTART.com

KNUSTART, LLC is an online relationship and recovery organization that helps adults build and sustain lasting and healthy relationship with themselves, others, and their challenges.