Sometimes life can feel like grappling with a sumo wrestler. You just can't seem to get your arms around it, and even if you do you can't get it to budge. That's where some mental training, tools and techniques can come into play. A little mental judo, and all of a sudden you're using life's momentum to your advantage.
Complete each of these trainings, combine it with some daily practice and even though your brain might not be a black belt yet, you'll at least have a mental edge.
Man of Action
Here’s the deal: you don’t have to stay stuck. This tool isn't going alter your universe, but it can help get some traction going and you can use it right now. Think of it like the Sawzall you'd find in your brain's garage. In any situation, it can help cut through the noise to get you back to doing the things that matter—grabbing a burger with the boys, getting ahead of that deadline at work, or just getting any sense of forward momentum again; even if that's just watering the plants. Take the time, see this through and be a man of action.
Master of Thoughts
Tough days can bring anyone down, but one bad job interview or six doesn’t mean you’re doomed to fail forever. Let's repeat that: it does not mean you're doomed to fail forever. So, if your brain keeps telling you a story about being doomed forever, guess what? Yeah, that doom cloud might stay stuck. Imagine if you could give that story the old Uno reverse card. Now stop imagining because there is, and science says so. With this technique you can begin view setbacks differently—not fake-happy nonsense, but real ways to shift your thinking so you can lower the stress and get back in the fight. Begin with small steps, and then practice to become a master of your mind.
Tame the Inner Tempest
Life’s got a way of piling it on—missed deadlines at work, kid's running around crazy, the neighbor's dog using your doorstep as private bathroom, you name it. The alarm goes off and boom, your day is a full blown turd tornado before you can even get your morning coffee in. Take a breathe. Think of this mental gadget as your personal eye of your life hurricane. With practice, it can become like hitting the reset button. Five minutes, and you're not getting pelted with gale force debris anymore— instead you’re at least treading a bit of chop in a pair of floaties, and you can see land. And that can make all the difference. More control, less overwhelm. Take the time right now, and learn to tame your inner tempest.
Each mental technique is free to practice and learn, and strictly confidential. You don't need to share any personal information or data and it's completely anonymous. As you know, the university research-y people with all the letters after their names are always trying to learn something. So when you finish practicing, you've helped them draw insight and ultimately help make the world better for the people in it. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back, then if you maybe have a few extra moments, give them a quick piece of your mind. BUT, for Pete's sake, keep it in a 'to make the dojo better for the next man' kind of way, please.