Trick your Brain into doing Hard Things

✍️ Quote

Alan Watts once dropped a mind-bomb when he said, "You're under no obligation to be the same person you were 5 minutes ago." It's a liberating idea when you really think about it. Wield this power to trick your brain into doing hard things.

We all have a self-concept, often called the self-image – it's like a mental avatar representing who we think we are. This self-concept is crafted from interpretations formed throughout our lives, particularly during childhood. It's a collection of beliefs about ourselves, and it shapes our actions.

For instance, if you were repeatedly told, "You are very disorganized," like I was, you might start believing it. It bled into everything I did. Messy folders at school, messy desk and room, scattered mind. Think about how people would give a quiet kid who wanted to be a rapper a tough time. We all harbor such limiting beliefs that define our capabilities, and oddly enough, we sometimes find comfort in being dysfunctional.

Ever notice the strange pleasure in feeling sorry for yourself? A part of us clings to these identities. But the key insight here is that these identities can change, sometimes instantly.

Consider this: Smokers who couldn't quit for decades suddenly do when confronted with their imminent demise. They shed the "smoker" label effortlessly. Similarly, I know a woman who, after getting bad news from a doctor, lost an incredible amount of weight when she was previously obese her whole life.. She’s in amazing shape to this day.

You've probably experienced instant change yourself, typically during highly emotional events, proving Watts right—you don't have to be the same person you were just moments ago, let alone five minutes.

What's truly mind-boggling is that you don't need a catastrophic event to catalyze change. You can initiate it consciously.

To become adept at instant change, cultivate the identity of someone who effortlessly drops habits. This taps into the power of your subconscious mind – the same force that keeps people smoking for decades.

Start small. Identify a habit you can easily quit, like checking your phone right after waking. Leave it behind for good. Replace it with an easy habit, such as flossing every time you brush your teeth. Then, tackle another simple habit.

As you build this track record of change, your subconscious will recognize your new identity as someone who can redefine their reality in an instant. This sets the stage for quitting more challenging habits – ones that may have weighed you down for years, like a terrible diet or smoking weed.

These will become easier to shed because you've already demonstrated your power to reshape your identity. With each habit you drop, you solidify your status as a mind-shaper and executioner.

In essence, Alan Watts' wisdom reminds us that we can rewrite our stories and reinvent ourselves at any moment. So why wait?

Start shaping the you of the next five minutes right now.

🤓 Fun Fact

The brain's prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and complex problem-solving, is most active during the morning.

🤔 Wall Thoughts

🙏 Mindful Moment: Breath Counting

Here's a simple mindfulness exercise to enhance your focus and awareness through the rhythm of your breath:

1. Find Calm: Sit in a quiet space, with your back straight and hands resting on your lap.

2. Begin Breathing: Take a deep breath in through your nose, counting "one."

3. Exhale Slowly: Exhale gently through your mouth, releasing "one."

4. Continue Counting: Inhale, counting "two." Exhale, releasing "two." Continue this pattern up to "ten."

5. Start Over: Once you reach "ten," start the count again at "one."

6. Stay Present: Keep your attention solely on your breath and the counting. If your mind drifts, gently bring it back to your breath.

7. Reflect: After a few minutes, notice how this practice has affected your focus and sense of calm.

This can be done anywhere, anytime, and helps you cultivate mindfulness by anchoring your attention to the rhythmic flow of your breath.