When the current chaos…financial market chaos, RIFs, terminations, whipsaw policy changes, inflation, looming humanitarian crises, etc…makes you feel stuck and you’re not sure how to put yourself back in motion, what can you do?
Silence your mindcluck
Mindcluck (euphemism) is the torment our minds put us through that comes from things we read, watch or listen to, other people’s opinions, trauma, past experience, etc. If my mind is saying to me, “This situation is hopeless,” or “I’m never going to get another job,” or “I am powerless,” there are a multitude of ways to quiet this debilitating chatter.
First, you have to notice that your mind is giving you mindcluck! Then, a couple ways to quiet your mind in the moment…
- Choose a mantra to say to yourself instead, for example, “I believe in myself” or “I am able to handle whatever is in front of me.” You can create a mantra that resonates best for you. Even if you don’t feel like the mantra is true in the moment, by repeating it to yourself, there is at least a part of you that knows it’s true and by bringing that internal belief and power to the front, you will believe what you’re saying and gain power from saying it.
- Or try using a physical gesture like grabbing your thumb or putting your hand on your heart and paying attention to what you feel (re-directing your mind and fostering the mind/body connection).
Mindcluck can paralyze us easily. By quieting your mind, you create space for creativity and by applying creativity to whatever you face, it will be easier to put yourself back in motion.
Remember that you get to CHOOSE what you put in your mind.
- Be selective about what you put into your mind. Create a quick mental checklist about what you will read, watch, or listen to. If something does not pass your test, don’t read, watch or listen to it!
- Is a conversation one that will feed you or drain you?If you know a subject matter will not serve you well, give it a polite pass and redirect yourself to something that will serve you well.
- Instead of doom-scrolling, do almost anything else…spend time with a loved one, read a fun book or article, watch or listen to something uplifting or funny, exercise, meditate, call a loved one, hang out with your pet(s), garden, do an art project, get a chore done, run an errand, etc. etc. etc.
Feed your mind well. This will make you feel better which will make it easier to take the next step to tackle whatever is in front of you.
Motion begets motion
When you find it hard to motivate yourself to start getting things done, remember that motion begets motion. Our brains like to complete things. We get satisfaction and we get the energy to keep going.
Pick something very easy to complete (wash the dishes, take out the trash, water the plants, throw in a load of laundry, send one email, walk your dog, organize your desk, book that meeting, etc.) and get it done.
Do a few easy things. And soon you will likely find that the harder thing you’ve been avoiding feels more doable now that your mind/body/soul are in motion.
Honor your emotions
Sometimes we can feel stuck because we’re carrying a lot of unexpressed emotions. Two ways to think of this…we all have an emotional volcano…when emotion is not expressed, the pressure builds. It’s key to vent emotions intentionally so that the volcano does not blow at an inopportune moment. Or think of unexpressed emotions as a backpack. The more emotion you stuff, the heavier your backpack is, and the more weighed down you may feel. By expressing and releasing emotions, you clear out energy that is likely making it very hard to take action.
- Learn some productive ways to vent and harness the energy of anger here: https://silencethemindcluck.com/is-your-blood-boiling-how-to-use-your-anger-productively/
- If you feel like you would benefit from a good cry, but can’t get yourself there, think of things that can give you access, for example, a song (my go to is This Woman’s Work by Kate Bush), a scene in a movie or tv show, passage in a book, a cherished card from a loved one, a powerful memory. Letting the tears flow will bring you release and relief. Think of it as a way to cleanse yourself. For people out there who think, “I don’t cry.” Give it a whirl. You will be amazed by the positive effects.
- After releasing emotions (anger, sadness, grief, frustration, etc.), be sure to do something comforting like a bath, a nap, a hot drink, a hug, snuggling with a beloved pet, etc.
- Then, when you are ready, do something that’s easy to complete (like I mentioned above). This is a good way to return to your equilibrium and put yourself back in motion.
When a particular type of mindcluck keeps rising to the surface again and again, that presents an opportunity to go deeper, to understand and to heal the roots of that mindcluck. I can help you do this!
This will be a zero pressure 20-30 minute conversation. We can talk about the challenges you face and what you’d like to shift. I always offer a tip or exercise to help. If we click and you are interested, we can create a coaching package that meets your needs, timeline and budget.