Getting a buzz on purpose.
I’m probably dating myself with this question: Do you remember the game Operation? It was an exhilarating game for me as a kid. I could mimic operating on a person - yet, humorously through fictional play. When the “electric probe” (a.k.a. tweezers) touched the edge of the “cavity” a loud buzz would startle me! Eventually, I’d hold the tweezers against the edge for constant buzzing and giggles.
Hasbro marketed Operation as a game that tests physical skills. Although, as most games do, it also tests change adaption. Understanding and settling strong emotions, being open-minded, and knowing yourself will benefit your ability to bounce back from defeat (and loud buzzers) quickly.
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Change adaptation skills involve emotional regulation, a growth mindset, and self-awareness. These three strengths are what helps to be capable and competent for responding to a situation rather than reacting to it.
Difficulties are inevitable. They can startle the physical effort of a daily practice…even unsettle the momentum or motivation towards a goal up to that point. Sometimes a focus on the effort to adapt to difficult situations is more beneficial than the physical results of the practice.
The following three actionable strategies pair well with any goal practice. Choose one:
Disrupt strong-emotional reactions: Notice where your thoughts and feelings are then direct those thoughts to the current moment.
Disrupt all or nothing thinking: Ask yourself, “how could I make my (fill in the blank) capacity just a little bit better?
Disrupt an inconsistent practice: write what’s deeply driving you to change (your “why”) and then consider how this impacts your practice choices.
