It’s no secret that the expectations set by society significantly mold the aspirations we hold. Much like the ever-changing landscape of fashion, our health goals can be subtly influenced by what we see on social media.

In the era of constant exposure to seemingly perfect images and advertisements, often airbrushed to perfection, we absorb up to 10,000 of these flawless visuals daily. This influx shapes an unrealistic perception of life and is one of the leading causes of depression and hopelessness.

When our reality doesn’t align with these curated snapshots, we can feel inadequate, perpetuating a cycle of seeking quick fixes for our lives. The desire for an instant transformation, like  the magic portrayed in what we see, leads to our individual and societal lack of patience and unrealistic expectations.

1. Filter Your Influences:

• Actively curate your social media feed to include content that aligns with authenticity rather than idealized perfection. Unfollow accounts that perpetuate unrealistic expectations, and seek sources that promote genuine well-being.

2. Set Realistic Timelines:

• Understand that change takes time. Establish realistic timelines for your goals (like months or a year, not days.)  Allow room for progress and setbacks. Patience is a key factor in sustainable transformation.

3. Shift Focus to Process Over Outcome:

• Instead of getting caught up in the final destination, focus on the journey – I know, it sounds like a well-worn cliché, but it holds profound truth. Take a moment to celebrate the small victories and improvements you make along the way. Understand that genuine progress unfolds as a continuous day-by-day process.
• Rather than fixating on the distant goal, pay attention to each day’s progress. Ask yourself, “Am I just 1% better than I was yesterday?” It’s these incremental steps that pave the way for meaningful and sustainable change.

4. Connect with Authentic Stories:

• Seek out real-life stories and experiences from individuals who have overcome similar challenges. Authentic narratives provide a more grounded perspective, showcasing the effort and time that was invested in achieving meaningful change. 
• Maybe write-out and share your journey and progress with others. Sometimes sharing your authentic story helps others find the motivation to follow in your footsteps or maybe even join you in your quest. 

5. Practice Self-Compassion:

• This can be a challenging task for many of us. We often extend compassion to others facing life challenges but tend to criticize and berate ourselves. It’s crucial to recognize that negative thoughts can drive negative actions. When we feel pushed, there’s a natural inclination to push back.  Our history of self-sabotage may actually be a result of rebellion against our own harsh thoughts and actions.
• Cultivate self-compassion by acknowledging that everyone is on their unique journey. Embrace imperfections, learn from setbacks, and treat yourself with the same kindness you would extend to a friend on their path to growth.

In conclusion it should be evident that navigating real change requires a deliberate shift in our approach and our VIEW. By monitoring and curating our influences, setting realistic timelines, focusing on the day by day progress, connecting with authentic stories and people, and practicing self-compassion, we will pave our way towards meaningful and sustainable transformations. 

Let’s wholeheartedly embrace the beautiful journey that lies ahead, recognizing that true progress is a heartfelt, day-by-day evolution. In these precious moments, let’s joyfully celebrate the small victories, savoring each step as we move forward.

I appreciate the opportunity to accompany you on your journey. ????

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