Discomfort has one issue, and it’s a serious issue; it feels bad. As far as we humans, with a modicum of drive to improve our lives, are concerned – this is a problem, our problem. It’s our problem because there’s no avoiding the feeling of discomfort on the path to realise your potential; it is an ever present. Be it physical, mental or emotional discomfort it matters not, they all feel bad and this is hard for us. Note: it doesn’t have to be this way; see ‘Something to pose.” Our immediate response, what we call “1st level thinking” at the Ironmind Institute is – make it stop, go away, back to normal please. Unfortunately this default reaction is super unhelpful is discovering more about ourselves and life. A chasm on the path.
Discomfort is the price of evolution. Therefore the capacity to endure discomfort is truly important if you desire to do more with your life. Ponder this question and witness what memory, situation, imagery pops into your mind – sit with it and ask yourself could I have endured it a moment or two more? The longer we can endure the feeling of discomfort, the more time we give ourselves to organise our psychology and change our state – a true superpower.
Something to practise:
The 4 Controllables Method
The 4 Controllables Method is a revolutionary training method helping you transform the way you think, act and exist. A groundbreaking approach to mental training & preparation, The 4 Controllables Method leverages the power of the present moment, accessed through self-awareness and concentration to strengthen self control, break through limiting beliefs and forge an Ironmind of mental strength & resilience.
There are 4 actions that are always within our sphere of influence (control)that facilitate, through a decision to concentrate on a specific component of them, a positive change in the mental state we are experiencing.
Body Position & Technique
Breath
Effort
Self Talk
The 4 Controllables Method is a practice. It is intense physical exercise, mediation, mindfulness & journaling all wrapped into one powerful method that exploration and practice will unveil.
Quick Win:
Use these mental anchors to reset your mind when you become negative in your training/sport –
Rowing: “Can I extend my stroke an inch (half an inch) on the catch? On the extension?”
Running: “Drive the world away with each stride”
Cycling: “Is this the strongest position I can find?”
Resistance Training: “Can I go slower on the eccentric portion?”
Something to pose:
Do you really want to change your experience of what you are experiencing?
Filter this question with brutal honesty.
In an effort to feel safe we can attach ourselves to all sorts of everything – a career, material possessions, a relationship, a belief, a football team and even emotions. You are not your anxiety, you are not your stress nor are you your busy-ness. In a strange twist of reality – despite the internal agitation these emotions create, the thought of changing that experience and not having them is more fearful than the thought of living with them forever. Humans are weird – raise your standards.
‘As long as you live, keep learning how to live’
~ Seneca
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