We’re tested with lots of circumstance in our lives. Shit happens. We can let circumstance throw us around like tornado, or we can remind ourself what we’re working toward and WHAT IS IN OUR CONTROL. Immediately when unexpected things happen, our system sometimes goes into shock out of a natural defense mechanism. We have a strong urge to be safe. In a physical and also mental sense. Just the perception of “something unsafe” can throw us off.
Recently I had a strong flu slowly take me over and I was bedridden sick for about 5 days. I didn’t stick to my meditation schedule, I didn’t stick to my morning routine, I didn’t stick to my workouts, etc.. I had to let my body rest. I had to completely go “off plan.”
Here we are, 5 days later. It all felt like a dream. In and out of sleep for 5 days straight. Its what my body/mind needed. Monday morning: BOOM. Back to reality.
In these moments, I fight the thoughts of “man, the time I lost the past 5 days and the progress I lost the past 5 days.” But I also remind myself to fight that same thought with the challenging thought of “You know what is in your control. Get your meals in. Get your workout in. Get your meditation in. Get your water and sleep in. CHECK THE BOXES.
I used to not know what self talk really meant. Self talk for me is challenging my doubts. Challenging the most recent events as moments that don’t “define my next future decisions.” I find every-time I fight my doubts with thoughts of what I CAN CONTROL, It actually lowers my anxiety and I now feel safe. A feeling of ease flowing through my mind.
My controlled self necessities are: my meals (5ish), my water (1 gallon-ish), 10-20 minute meditation, fill out the workout log book, 7-8 hours of sleep. 5 main boxes.
when things get crazy and life gets in the way (which it will), I try to get back to these 5 main boxes. they’re my stability. They’re what I control in my own world around me. They make me feel safe.
We must all make a checklist of what our self necessities are and what we control that give us a sense of safety and controlled self growth. Things that we do for us.
As soon as life gets crazy, the faster you get back on the plan, the more resilient you get mentally. Self discipline is enhanced.
Eventually, nothing gets in the way.
I will do what I can. I’m back on plan. I’m back to checking my boxes.
You will realize through the journey, its not always how good you stick to the plan, but how fast you get back on the plan as soon as you get off the plan. This is discipline.
THE_HUMAN_EXPERIMENT1993 