Take Opposite Action to Improve Your Results: Do It Anyway
- Madhavi Rao
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
Have you ever found yourself resisting something you know will benefit you? That early morning workout, the healthier food choice, or that tough conversation you’ve been avoiding? We resist not because we don’t know better, but because taking action is hard work. And when faced with difficulty, our subconscious mind often convinces us to retreat to the comfort of old habits. But what if the key to progress is to take opposite action—to do the thing anyway, even when you don’t feel like it?
Why We Resist What We Already Know
It’s not that we don’t know what’s good for us; it’s that acting on that knowledge requires effort, discipline, and change. Change is uncomfortable. It disrupts the patterns our subconscious mind clings to for security. The truth is, our subconscious mind operates like a thermostat. If your thermostat is set to 70 degrees, it will regulate the temperature back to that setting whenever it fluctuates. Similarly, when we attempt to change our habits, our subconscious mind often pulls us back to what feels familiar and safe—even if it’s not what’s best for us.
Consider the common example of weight loss. You start a restrictive diet and a rigorous workout plan, and at first, you see progress. But once you relax the diet or lose motivation for the workouts you never truly enjoyed, the weight creeps back. This happens because your subconscious mind never fully accepted the change. The thermostat was still set at your old habits. True, lasting change requires reprogramming your subconscious—not just forcing temporary behaviors.
The Power of "Do It Anyway"
This is where my personal mantra comes in: "Do it anyway."
Whenever I don’t feel like doing the thing that I know will help me, I remind myself: do it anyway. It’s a simple yet powerful mental strategy. The hardest part of making a change isn’t knowing what to do—it’s actually doing it and sticking with it. And the hardest step? That first one. But do you know what’s even harder? Staying committed long enough for the change to become automatic and ingrained in your subconscious.
Doing the hard thing doesn’t always provide immediate gratification. There won’t always be a reward right away. But when the external results do come, they serve as a powerful reinforcement. When you see the progress—whether it’s increased energy, better health, or a sense of accomplishment—it fuels the motivation to keep going.
How to Reprogram Your Subconscious for Lasting Change
So how do you reset your subconscious thermostat? By choosing a path that aligns with your lifestyle and by consistently showing up for yourself. Sustainability is key. If a particular method of exercise or diet doesn’t fit your life, forcing it will only lead to burnout. Instead, find what works for you and commit to it in a way that feels natural and achievable.
For example, I used to think I loved group fitness classes, but I found myself skipping them when my schedule didn’t align. I realized I needed a more flexible approach, so I transitioned to workouts I could do on my own. The same goes for my eating habits—I stopped waiting for others and started prioritizing what worked best for my body and schedule.
The Secret to Long-Term Success: Show Up for Yourself
Was this easy? No. It takes effort and accountability. I have fallen off track many times—but I always get back on. Why? Because I have trained myself to do it anyway. This strategy has changed my internal world, making my external results sustainable. My subconscious now believes in my ability to follow through, and that belief is what drives lasting success.
No one else can make you change. The life you want is up to you. The only way to create that life? You have to want it enough to do it—whether you feel like it or not.
Are you ready to start making real changes in your life?
Ready to "Do it Anyway?" Connect with me, and I’ll help you build the mindset and habits to do it anyway—and achieve the results you’ve been striving for.
Ready to make lifestyle changes? join me in one of my weekly Yoga Sessions.
Want to allow your body and mind to reset and reconnect? Join me for a restorative yoga nidra and sound bath session (offered once a month- in person or online) and give your body & mind the rest they deserve.
Hello! I'm Madhavi, the Chief Motivating Officer at Prana Health Yoga & Wellness.
I'm here to help you establish a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle to address chronic pain, mental stress, improve your health metrics, and more.
My goal is to assist individuals in leading a happier, stress-free life by making lasting lifestyle changes.
If you're interested in learning how these small adjustments can lead to significant and enduring transformations, reach out to learn more.
I've developed a successful Health and Wellness program that has benefitted all my current clients. Check it out here.
If you need additional tools to develop new and lasting habits, then Connect with Me. I'll help you find the most suitable plan for your lifestyle.
Join my Facebook group Living Healthy Living Well for weekly inspiration and healthy living ideas.
Follow me on my FB page Prana Health Yoga and Wellness
Follow me on IG Pranahealth.yoga
Listen to and follow my podcast Living Healthy Living Well for more tips and tricks to rejuvenate and thrive in life.
Check out and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Living Healthy Living Well Podcast - to watch and learn about my Health and Wellness tips for a fulfilling journey in life!
#YogaForChronicPain #ChronicPainRelief #YogaJourney #MindBodyBalance #HealingThroughYoga #Breathwork #Meditation #WellnessJourney #StrengthThroughYoga #YogaCommunity #ChronicPainRelief #Mindfulness #CreativeThinking #DailyWalks #DontJudgeABookByItsCover #LivingHealthyLivingWell #IndianAmericanStories #BeyondAssumptions #YogaTeacherLife #WellnessPodcast #MindfulLiving #EmpathyAndUnderstanding #DiverseVoices
Comments