I am the perfect example of somebody who regularly thinks about how I would like to do certain things differently (including procrastination and self doubt) – and then all far too easily revert to the patterns of life that are so familiar and easy (even if unhelpful).   In those moments I do wonder whether I really can change these habits and  I also  know that I am not alone.  What I do know for sure though is that  the answer to the above is a resounding YES!  RENEWING HABITS is, with understanding and patient perseverance, ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE.  

Walking along side students as they tackle their challenges, I pick up on their internal chatter through things that they say about themselves.  So often it is just a tiny thought that they believe that becomes the ‘lens’ through which they approach their projects.  As an example, a very bright medical student that I have been meeting with is feeling overwhelmed about the volume of learning that he needs to address.  He is distressed and this is affecting other areas of his life as he compares himself with fellow students assuming that they are ‘sorted’.  He tells himself that  he can never remember anything, that he is completely behind in his studies and that he cannot do the work necessary to pass.  

Re the former, is that really the absolute truth?  And re the latter, he knows well that he remembers things – he has got this far by remembering and absorbing so much already! And thus we have been spending time coming up with new ways of rephrasing these automatic thoughts to:  “I am getting to understand my studies more and more and so it is easy for me to recall”; “I really do have a brilliant brain that is capable of so much”; “ I am so excited to be learning this new material and this helps me build the blocks for being an impactful doctor”; “I plan each day well so that I give myself the space to do the learning that I need to do”  … and so we kept going. 

Careful reframing of a situation has the potential to open up an array of very useful possibilities.   We can get so stuck in a mindset that it feels as if this is the right and only way, but science has proved that our brains are ‘neuroplastic’.  We CAN acquire new habits; we ARE able to learn new skills; it is very POSSIBLE to rewire our habitual thought for the GOOD; that we are so so CAPABLE.

“If we did all the things that we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves”.  This quote comes from Thomas Edison (inventor, of amongst other things, the lightbulb!).  If you knew this to be absolutely true, how would you be now?  What would you do in this moment?  How would you feel and act?   What are the negative and repetitive thoughts that you would let go of immediately? 

So, if you were asking me as to whether we really can change our approaches, I would remind you of  the following:

• We naturally fall back to our old patterns – that is the brilliance of our brains.  Our brain is protecting us and trying to make things easier.  Hence why habits needs to be ‘re routed’ with a renewed thought life that is affirming and helpful.

• It is absolutely alright to need to keep ‘reseting’.  Acquiring new skills and new habits requires patience, diligence and caring coaxing (ie, forgive yourself quickly for the times that you are not doing as you would like to be doing, and move on!).

• Even when you just feel as if nothing is changing at all – please know that little by little things are happening.  Your mind is becoming alert to new ways of thinking and though your mind might feel as if it is putting up a bit of a internal fight, you are much stronger than this.  Your mind is full of ‘thoughts’ and you are in charge of them!  

Keep trying, keep pushing on, keep learning, keep going, keep mindful of the thoughts that you are ruminating on, keep hopeful and excited.  You are WELL ABLE to rethink and renew.