Interrupt
the Pattern
Flying Into Windows
In the last issue, I told the story
of the red cardinal bird who visits my friend. I offered the
metaphor of "flying into the window" to represent
the behaviors that hamper your effectiveness. I stated that
the important thing is to get yourself to try something new.
In order to do that, you've got to "bang on the window"
in the moment you recognize that you're caught up in the old
habit and flying that familiar pattern. It's the awareness
and the ability to catch yourself in the moment that's key.
So how do you do that?
Get Your Attention
Here are three ways to interrupt the pattern:
- Talk to yourself, and when you do, say things
that will help. Instead of describing the old behavior
as if it were a permanent condition, use language that moves
you into the new behavior. What was "I always doubt
myself" becomes "I'm learning to trust myself."
Change the life-sentence-sounding statement: "I'm a
procrastinator" to: "In the past I've struggled
with procrastination, but now I'm finding ways to help me
get started on things faster."
- Step Over the Line. Stand up and imagine
a vertical line at your feet. Step over the line to the
left. Feel what it's like to be in the old pattern. For
instance, using one of the examples above, stand the way
you would if you were doubting yourself. Then, step to the
right of the line and assume the posture of trusting yourself.
Notice the difference in your stance and in how you feel.
Remember it and use this technique with the realization
that you have the ability to step over the line
any time. Changing your posture, your breathing,
or using a symbolic physical move, can snap you out of the
old pattern and jump-start the new behavior.
- Customize
it, get creative, or do something silly. From
sticky notes on refrigerator doors to music that puts you
in the right frame of mind, do whatever works to
get your attention in that critical moment of decision.
I recently attended a presentation by Dr.
Michael Breus, The Sleep Doctor. He gave a prime example
of interrupting an old pattern. Dr. Breus suggested that
if you're trying to get more sleep, rather than using an
alarm clock in the morning, use it at night and
set it for the time you need to settle down and start getting
ready for bed. Brilliant! How might you
use an alarm clock to remind you of the new habit you want
to institute?
Be Ready For It
If one way of operating isn't working for you, let go and
try a new way. Be ready for your own resistance, and rather
than berate yourself, get in touch with what you're thinking
and feeling in that moment. Expect the pull toward ways that
are familiar. Notice it, catch yourself, and create something
new.
This Week's Call To Action:
- Use one of the techniques above to interrupt the pattern.
Instead of flying on autopilot, realize your ability to
choose.
The moment you interrupt the old pattern is the
pivotal moment of decision and the point of power.
See you in the current,
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Current of Life, by Virginia Kravitz,
is a free, biweekly ezine for accomplished professionals who
want to have more fulfilling careers and lives. Each issue
provides practical guidance and inspiration to embrace a new
and joyful momentum as you navigate the important decisions
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© 2014, Virginia M. Kravitz and In
the Current®. All Rights Reserved.
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