Gordian knot : an intricate problem; especially: a problem insoluble in its own terms.

How often have you felt that trying to make lasting change in your life is like trying to untie a Gordian knot? The voice in your head admonishes, “You’ve tried to [pick one: lose weight, exercise regularly, eat better, drink less, sleep more] a dozen times before and it never sticks. It’s a waste of time to try again.” But the tenacious warrior in you refuses to give up... good for you!

“I am going to do it this time,” you tell yourself, “I just need information and a plan. How many minutes a day of exercise? At what heart rate? How many calories? What food is admissible and what’s off-limits? Give me the detailed plan!” you beckon. “On Monday I’ll start The Plan and THIS time it’ll stick.”

What if the missing piece to untying the knot is not so tactical? What if it’s not in gathering more information and creating the perfect plan around which you’ll morph your schedule, habits, and life (has that worked in the past?)? When changes lack staying-power it’s not because we’re “weak” or uninformed, but because we lack clarity as to why we really want the change. Without having determined what really inspires us to embrace new habits, once the excitement of having “The Plan that will certainly change my life” wears off, the motivation to follow The Plan does too.