Self-reflection…

The ability to consciously examine your behavior, biases, actions and outcomes…

In search of feedback on how to proceed better in the future…

Takes a considerable amount of effort and mental energy.

That’s why it tends to be the last thing anyone wants to do when their current circumstances already feel a little bit overwhelming.

Of course, why would you want to add more weight when the current load already seems to be dragging you down?

But the beauty of examining your own behavior lies not in adding a whole bunch of extra responsibility to your day…

But in taking a moment to realize what you might be better off not doing altogether…

Which automatic behaviors are getting in the way of your desire to make a change…

But because it seems like a whole lot of “extra effort”…

Avoiding this crucial step keeps most people from getting to where they’d like to be.

Changing their diet…
Making art…
Starting that business…
Transitioning to a more fulfilling career…
Spending more time in nature…

This isn’t uncommon because we’re evolutionarily wired to resist change…

For our own benefit, to ensure survival, and conserve energy.

But in our world of modern affordances, there’s little biological impulse to do any of the things that keep our bodies, our minds, and relationships functioning at their best.

And since the best way to influence behavior is by structuring our environment, it can be helpful to have some systems in place that alleviate the resistance we feel in getting started or following through…

Because there’s plenty of netflix to keep us otherwise occupied.
But sometimes it can feel like we’ve gotten ourselves caught in a bit of quicksand…

And time is running out…

But it’s difficult, if not impossible to actually sink down in quicksand past your chest…

However, unless someone has shown you the proper technique, it’s equally as difficult to pull yourself out.

Until next time,
Kevin

The word intention derives its meaning from:

• Drawing a bow
• Holding tension
• And taking aim with it

That is, our effortful control of attention on a perceivable object.

Much of our understanding of the world comes from our physical, bodily interactions with our environment.

If you assume the position of drawing a bow and take aim…

Your body automatically moves into a physiological state of focus.

Until next time,
Kevin Hood