The Secret to Getting Unstuck
Is there something you've been procrastinating on?
Or something you started - like a new routine - but then stopped again, and now find it hard to get back to?
Then you probably have lots of thoughts about it.
That it's hard.
That it isn't fun.
That it probably won't work.
Those thoughts are exactly why it's so hard to start, or re-start.
You can feel into how hard by trying this simple thought experiment.
Think of something you've been putting off.
Then think: "This is so hard. It's going to take forever. I'm not sure it's even going to work."
Notice how you feel.
Then do a little reset: stand up, shake it out, and instead, think:
"This is easy. This could be fun. I can totally figure this out."
And notice the difference.
Amazing, right?
This is why thought work, done in the right way, is so powerful.
But what's even more powerful is thought work combined with action.
It's my favourite thing to gain, or regain, momentum.
How to combine thought work with actions
Let's say, for example, you need to do your taxes.
You've been putting it off for months, and it's stressing you out.
When you keep thinking 'I need to do my taxes' you're making it very hard for yourself to get started.
Instead, think of a tiny action you can take to start working on your tax return right now.
Something so small it only takes 5-10 minutes.
Then do it - and afterwards don't forget to give yourself a high-five.
You will feel so much better - and it will be a lot easier to think productive thoughts about your taxes, because you've shown your brain that you CAN in fact do this work.
Tiny action => positive reinforcement => easier to think productive thoughts about goal or project
Here are some more examples:
Wanting to work out every day
Tiny action: do something for 60 seconds
Positive reinforcement: you'll probably do some more while you're at it, and even if you don't, you'll feel a lot better after those 60 seconds.
New productive thought: "working out can be fun and easy"
Writing an article
Tiny action: sit down and do a brain dump on your topic for 10 minutes
Positive reinforcement: your brain notices that you can actually sit down and write, and that you have plenty of things to say, you may even get new ideas for your article
New productive thought: "writing articles helps me realise how much I know and make new connections"
This weekend, think of something you've been procrastinating on for way too long.
Think of a tiny action step - and use that to get started.
Celebrate, and then actively adjust your thoughts about your goal or project so that they support rather than sabotage you.
Rinse and repeat.
This is how to manage your mind to get things done - even the things that, right now, you don't feel like doing.
Have a great weekend,
Else a.k.a. Coach Kramer
P.S. .On this week's Managing the Smart Mind podcast I share three secrets to successful goal setting. If you find it difficult to set and pursue goals you want to check it out. Find it on you favourite podcast app, or via this link: https://managingthesmartmind.buzzsprout.com/