Radical Introspection: The Hidden Skill of Lasting Change
Deep Dive
Takeaway: This article looks at the key ingredient for success in weight loss and lifestyle changes: radical introspection. We address the struggle we all face in being truly honest with ourselves amidst a world full of distractions and excuses. However, in bravely confronting your inner truths, you can take back control of your life, find areas to grow, and embark on a journey of meaningful transformation.
Radical Introspection: The Hidden Skill of Lasting Change
Over the last decade of coaching clients through a variety of weight loss and lifestyle goals, there is a single, overarching trait that accounts for the vast differences in success between individuals.
It’s a concept I refer to as radical introspection.
Here's the gist:
You have to be honest with yourself.
You may have heard that before.Â
Even still, stick with me. Over the last decade of practicing this stuff I've learned the reality behind this concept.Â
It's not what we've been taught. (If we even learned this concept at all.)
It actually comes down to 2 things:
One, being honest with yourself is harder than you may think.
Modern society—via social media and streaming services—is literally designed to give you endless distractions, an escape from self-reflection. Â
Two, it's even harder to be honest with yourself when the truth is hard to hear.
You've spent your entire life rationalizing away your bad choices. In fact, you're a master at it.
You've spent your whole life running from the stuff that makes you feel crummy. That's why you can wake up and realize you've been steadily gaining weight for years and haven't done a darn thing about it.Â
That's gotta stop here.Â
Being honest with yourself means you stop running from the bad stuff.Â
More specifically, it's taking power away from these forces and giving you back control.
You have to be introspective, facing your internal emotions instead of dulling them. And you have to be radical about this, doing it even when it's hard to face the truth. Â
If you want to take control and lose weight for good, get cool with being radically introspective with yourself.
The world is designed to help you avoid this radical introspection because it's led you to feel ashamed of your shortcomings.Â
Society wants you to feel bad that you aren't perfect.Â
And perhaps a part of you wants to stick with the old way, trying your best to appear perfect and flawless.Â
But remember why you signed up for this newsletter. Why you even listen to a guy on the internet like me….
You want to transform the way you live your life.
And that starts with being honest with yourself, because then you can identify where you need to improve.
You're here because our community is all about self-improvement. We provide a judgement-free place for you to explore yourself.Â
Here are a few ways to get started building a practice of radical introspection:
Schedule Regular Reflection Time: Set aside dedicated time in your schedule for self-reflection. This could be daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your preference and availability. During this time, disconnect from distractions like social media and streaming services and focus solely on your internal thoughts and feelings.
Keep a Journal: Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help you delve deeper into your inner self. Use a journal to track your progress, challenges, and insights. Be honest and open in your journal entries, and don't shy away from addressing uncomfortable truths.
Challenge Rationalizations: Pay attention to the excuses and rationalizations you make to justify unhealthy habits or behaviors. When you catch yourself making excuses, challenge them with honesty and self-awareness. Ask yourself why you're making these excuses and what underlying issues they may be masking.
Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or mentors. They can offer valuable perspectives and insights that you may not have considered on your own. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth.
Embrace Discomfort: Radical introspection often involves facing uncomfortable truths and emotions. Instead of avoiding discomfort, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Remember that discomfort is temporary and can lead to greater self-awareness and personal development in the long run.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that radical introspection is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and set realistic expectations for your progress. Celebrate small victories along the way and acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of the process.
Find Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share your commitment to self-improvement. Whether it's through online forums, support groups, or personal relationships, having a supportive network can provide encouragement and accountability on your journey toward radical introspection.
This newsletter is about exploring different aspects of creating a winning mindset that will help you succeed far beyond your fitness goals.Â
And it all begins with being radically introspective with yourself.Â
~ Coach Alex
P.S. I’d love to connect with readers just like you! Reply to this email and let’s chat.