Start Living on Monday: A Paradoxical Theory of Change

Why do we promise ourselves to start life from scratch namely on Monday? Psychologists are ready to explain this phenomenon.

Psychological scales

Psychologists understand why we are telling ourselves this infinite “I will begin new life from Monday”. The fact is that in each of us there are contradictions when one part of the mind understands the need for change, but the other constantly finds reasons to postpone the action. This is not unusual, because such is the essence of man – action and reaction. It’s like scales on which one scale asks to change something, but the other asks to leave everything as it is. The point of equilibrium here is a concept known as the paradoxical theory of change.

How it works

This theory should be taken quite seriously, because, oddly enough, these contradictions of a negative nature take away vital energy. Each time, telling yourself something like “I’m too lazy, I just can’t do it”, a person introduces himself into a state of depression. Yes, self-criticism is not always helpful. Scolding ourselves for the failure to start a new life, for example, from Monday, we take a step back, but not forward.

Time for a change

The paradox is that change comes when their time comes. This will not necessarily be the first day of the week. Changes occur when a person is ready for them. This path is associated with self-knowledge and acceptance of oneself with all the flaws, the best qualities and, most importantly, its authenticity. Just stop comparing yourself to others.

Important steps

Psychologists offer this method: every time self-criticism rolls in waves, slap your palm and stop. Stop self-flagellation and very soon you will feel a surge of vitality. And this point can be the starting point for new achievements!

Here are a few ways to figure yourself out and understand why Monday or another day can become important:

• Analyze what is slowing you down. Perhaps the answer is that you are too demanding of yourself and impatient. Think about that you just need more time for realizing something.
• Proceed gradually. Each small step is a great success. Start with tiny changes, for example, give up sweets, and review your diet. If you can take control of your own habits, then global changes in life will begin very soon.
• Is this really your decision? Think about whether you really want it or is it a point of view imposed by someone? Perhaps the internal resistance you encounter is the correct response to external pressure.

So, if a new life from Monday is postponed, do not rush to blame yourself for powerlessness. Think, maybe your time has not come yet.