I'm taking a listening class under the social work program for fun. We got to the chapter on burnout and self-care.
The topic of negative self-talk and negative thinking came up (I'm not good at x. This is wrong; that is wrong. I don't want x.).
A student asked, "How do you train your brain to stop doing it?"
The professor says, "3 things each day of gratitude/applause/smiles/small wins/positives. 3 things for 21 days."
That's 3 weeks.
Then he goes on to say, "How many of you are going to do it?"
Pause while a classroom of students uncommittedly nod their heads.
Professor, "Nah, you guys aren't going to do it."
Did he just challenge us Opters!
That got me thinking, what a great time to prepare (as you would for a work meeting or speech, but it's for you) for the new year, or the flip side, finish the year off strong.
Here's the Opt:
Let's do the 3x3 Challenge, thank you very much Prof. Green (he's hillarious, so all in good fun)!
State what you want to "prepare" for (physically, mentally, skillfully, socially, external/internal, whatever you want - but ONE thing). Write it down.
Act on 3 things each day (minimize repeating the exact same 3 things) to move your prep forward (journal it) for 3 weeks ("acting on" can include noticing/appreciating/thanking):
Wed 12/10 - Tues 12/16
Know I'm going to suck but I focus everyday (trying it/failing/research/curiosity/observe/ask friends/plan/gratitude)
Wed 12/17 - Tues 12/23
It's a little easier (if I really put the effort in in week one)
Wed 12/24 - Tues 12/31
Wow, runner's high! Way to go me! Bring on the New Year.
Keep a lookout for an opt email with a poll to track how you are doing.
By participating, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions including the waiver and release.
Your ONE thing doesn't have to save the world (this isn't a holiday movie that gets wrapped up in a bow in the last 12 minutes including commercials). It could be self-talk, cleaning, eating, socializing, gratitude, budgeting, laughing, playing, finishing. Something to pat yourself on the back come New Year's Eve.
A helpful tip I read recently. The Approach-Mindset. If you want to go processed-carb free, take the "approach" I'm going to have vegetables and fruit for dinner. The alternative is the Avoidance-Mindset. I'm not going to eat carbs for dinner. Good luck with your shopping list with avoidance; you need to eat something, so give the focus on that something instead.
