What You Want to Do vs. What You Need to Do to Heal

In the journey of healing, whether it’s from physical ailments, emotional wounds, or mental struggles, there often exists a stark contrast between what we want to do and what we need to do. While the path to recovery is unique for everyone, a common thread ties these journeys together: the battle between our desires and our needs. Understanding this dichotomy is crucial for genuine, long-lasting healing for self-help enthusiasts, mental health advocates, wellness seekers, health practitioners, and motivated self-healers.

The Brain’s Resistance to Change

The human brain is inherently resistant to change. It’s wired to find comfort in routines and familiarity. Even when we consciously know that a particular change would benefit us, our brains often interpret these changes as threats, making it difficult to act on them. This resistance can manifest in several ways:

• Dietary Changes: Nobody wants to eliminate their favorite comfort foods, yet sometimes, dietary changes are essential for healing.
• Mindfulness Practices: Spending time meditating or practicing mindfulness can seem tedious or unappealing, even though it may significantly aid mental health.
• Emotional Confrontation: Facing painful emotions or having uncomfortable conversations can be daunting, but these actions are often necessary for emotional healing.
• Career Decisions: Walking away from a well-paying but stressful job is challenging, yet it may be crucial for overall well-being.

Acceptance: The Key to Unlocking Positive Change

True healing begins with acceptance. We must first acknowledge and accept the full reality of our current situation, regardless of how unfair or challenging it may seem. Denial and resistance drain our energy, leaving us stuck and unable to grow. Here’s why acceptance is so vital:

• Energy Conservation: Denying reality requires constant mental exertion, which drains our energy reserves. Accepting reality frees up this energy and allows us to focus on healing and moving forward.
• Clarity and Focus: Acceptance provides clarity, helping us see our situation for what it is. This clarity enables us to make informed decisions about the steps we must take to heal.
• Emotional Relief: Embracing our current reality can bring emotional relief, reducing anxiety and stress, which are often obstacles to healing.

Embracing Change Gradually

Change is hard because our brains reject it, interpreting it as a threat. Rapid, drastic changes are often unsustainable and can lead to quick burnout. That’s why it’s essential to approach change slowly and incrementally:

• Small Steps: Start with small, manageable changes. For instance, if you need to meditate, begin with just five minutes a day and gradually increase it.
• Consistency Over Intensity: Consistent, small efforts are more sustainable than sporadic, intense changes. For example, instead of overhauling your entire diet overnight, try incorporating one healthy meal a day.
• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement encourages continued effort and growth.

Related Blog Post: 4 Crucial Concepts to Embrace on Any Healing Journey

Shifting to a Growth Mindset

Healing from any form of adversity requires a shift in mindset. Moving from a mindset focused on limitations and obstacles to one that sees opportunities and growth is crucial. Here’s how to cultivate a growth mindset:

• Embrace Challenges: View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Instead of avoiding difficult situations, approach them with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
• Learn from Criticism: Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for growth. Rather than taking criticism personally, use it to improve and evolve.
• Persist in the Face of Setbacks: Understand that setbacks are part of the healing journey. Maintain perseverance and resilience, viewing each setback as a learning opportunity.

Aligning Mindset with Healing Needs

Rather than molding your healing process to fit your current mindset, transform your mindset to align with what is necessary for true healing. This alignment involves:

• Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout the healing process. Recognize that it’s okay to struggle and that progress is not always linear.
• Patience: Healing takes time. Be patient with yourself and trust in the gradual process of change.
• Support Systems: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage and motivate you. Whether it’s friends, family, or support groups, having a strong support system can make a significant difference.

Related Blog Post: Mindset Doesn’t Begin in the Mind

Conclusion

Healing is a multifaceted journey that requires us to confront our deepest fears and desires. Understanding the difference between what we want to do and what we need to do and accepting our current reality can pave the way for genuine healing. Embracing change gradually and shifting to a growth mindset are critical steps in this process. Remember, the path to healing is not about quick fixes or superficial changes; it’s about deep, meaningful transformation. Let’s align our mindsets with our healing needs and embark on this journey toward true well-being together.

How to Get Support?

If you are a wellness coach or practitioner who works with clients and wants to learn innovative wisdom, tools, and strategies for impactful and breakthrough outcomes for self-healing, personal growth, life, and entrepreneurial success.

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A one-of-a-kind 12-module self-study (no live sessions) practitioner certification program that provides comprehensive and truly holistic training on interpreting and implementing the HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) through the lens of the impact of trauma, psychoneuroimmunology, and transformational coaching.

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If you want to work with me one-on-one, you can learn more about my approach with clients here: My Health and Healing Philosophy.

I believe ANY HEALING JOURNEY ultimately needs to involve addressing BOTH the body and the mind in the proper way and in the proper order, which will be highly individual.  

It is also a huge reason why many feel stuck on their healing journeys: this concept hasn’t been adequately acknowledged, understood, or addressed.