Change Is Hard (But So Are You!):

Pexels - Evelyn Chong

How to Survive the Emotional Rollercoaster of Transformation

On The Risers Hub Podcast, I talk about change A LOT! Why? Well, for one, my life has been full of change in the past 10 years, and I have a number of friends who are making a transition in their lives right now, as I type this. Whether we want to admit it or not, change is an inevitable part of life, and it can be hard. We all deal with it sooner or later, but the real challenge is, how do we handle it? If you struggle with change, check out some ideas I’ve put together that’ve helped me through all my transitions in life and see if one or two work for you!

Now remember…Change is Hard but So Are You!

You’re strong, resilient, and capable of transformation—even when it doesn’t feel that way.

In this blog, I’m walking you through the 5 stages of the change process, packed with practical tips, emotional insights, and ways to keep going even when it’s tough.

Because change isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about sticking with them when life gets messy. So, let’s grab that rope called life and carry it over the finish line.

🌱 1. Awareness & Recognition

Every transformation starts with an “aha” moment—when you realize something in your life isn’t working anymore.

Maybe you’re overwhelmed. Exhausted. Stuck in a routine that’s draining your energy.

This is where you identify:

• What’s not working (poor sleep, high stress, unhealthy habits)

• What needs to improve (physical health, mental clarity, productivity)

• What’s standing in your way (lack of time, negative self-talk, bad habits)

💭 Common emotions:
Frustration, guilt, anxiety… but also curiosity.

🔑 Riser Tip: Start with one step. One shift. Don’t underestimate the power of small awareness.

💪 2. Commitment & Decision

Now it’s time to get real. You’re not just thinking about change—you’re choosing it.

You set intentions like:
✅ “I want to lose 10 pounds.”
✅ “I will reduce my screen time.”
✅ “I will move my body 3x a week.”

Break it down:

• Set a specific goal

• List 3 small steps you can start this week

• Choose something you actually enjoy

💡 Example: Love music? Try 5-minute dance workouts at home.

💭 Common emotions:
Motivation, hope, fear of failure, determination.

🔑 Riser Tip: Write it down. Post it somewhere you’ll see daily. Repeat it like a mantra.

Pexels - Leon Ardho - The box is life, and the jumper is you!

🧠 3. Planning & Preparation

Here’s where many people stall: they have the goal but no clear roadmap.

Start building a basic plan:
🗓 Meal prepping for the week
👟 A simple workout schedule
🌙 A consistent bedtime routine
🛠 Tools to help (apps, journals, a supportive friend)

💥 Game-changer mindset: One small success (like a 1-pound loss or a great workout) creates a domino effect. You’ll want to keep going.

💭 Common emotions:
Optimism, overwhelm, doubt, excitement.

🔑 Riser Tip: If it feels too big—zoom in. Plan just for today.

⚡ 4. Action & Implementation

Time to do the thing. And yes—it’s hard. But this is where the magic happens.

Action looks like:

• Choosing the healthy meal when you're tired

• Working on your business even when no one’s watching

• Meditating for 5 minutes in the middle of chaos

• Making progress even when you feel stuck

💭 Common emotions:
Excitement, frustration, self-doubt, pride, impatience.

🗣 Riser Truth: You will hear negative self-talk. You’ll face “haters”—including your own inner critic.

Don’t quit. You are stronger than your excuses.

🔑 Riser Tip: Track your wins (even the tiny ones). They stack up faster than you think.

🔁 5. Sustainability & Integration

This is the final (and ongoing) phase—making change your new normal.

You’re not “on a journey” anymore. You’re living it.
You feel better. You’re stronger. More focused. More fulfilled.

This is where transformation becomes a lifestyle. You don’t just want to keep it going—you know how to.

💭 Common emotions:
Confidence, satisfaction, pride, joy.

🔑 Riser Tip: Celebrate your progress. Set new goals. Keep your circle tight with people who support the new you.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Change Is Hard, But You’re Stronger

If you take one thing from this blog, let it be this:
Change is not linear. It’s messy. Emotional. Hard. And 100% worth it!

You’re not failing if you’re feeling frustrated—you’re growing.

So give yourself grace, take one small step today, and trust that your transformation is happening, even if it’s slow.

Until next time, keep risi 💛