I don’t have a short-attention span, I just …  oh look, a squirrel!

That’s a common joke used by people who struggle to stay on task (or people who live with people who struggle to stay on task). 

Truth be told, getting distracted isn’t uncommon for many of us. Every day, we are surrounded by sounds, sights, and “feels” that emotionally reward us for giving it our attention. In real life, a “squirrel” is essentially a challenge. 

There are several ways to meet — and overcome — the challenges of our everyday squirrels. Programs work because there’s one squirrel in common. For example, Alcohol Anonymous is a program that “works the steps” so people may exist with the squirrel. Steps define the course of action that works. Programs define the path to action. 

Processes work because there’s more than one squirrel. Over the past 10 weeks I’ve outlined GIG’s process. First you “poise” and then you “work the cause.” P.O.I.S.E. is the acronym of five health domains. C.O.S. are the three factors to exploring what will work best for your unique needs and demands. Processes shape the path to action. 

Building lifestyle skills involves your whole self and your whole (person) health. One domain actually helps the other. They aren’t mutually exclusive. Although, choosing one domain that’s meaningful to you, right now, will help you poise with clarity. You then have more control to break a skill into small, clear, concrete actions that you’re ready, willing, and able to do. 

For example, the existential domain paired with nutrition management skills clarifies starting with a “why” skill. One practice to build the skill of knowing why you’re eating  might be the daily question before each meal, “why am I eating?” 

Then you “work the cause” to shape the path. C.O.S. is the acronym for context, occupation, and sense factors. The three together guide observations, planning, anticipation, and participation to sustain the desired behavior. 

Squirrels are everywhere. Feed a squirrel for a bigger challenge. Ignore it for it to stick around. Actively participate with it as a meaningful situation. Your choice, your quality of life.