When it’s hard to do what needs to be done.
On Monday’s MitM call, we talked about how to do what needs to be done when it’s so easy to get sucked into distractions when we sit down to work at the computer.
When I asked a master in the making, “what is it that pulls you away from the work that would help you reach your goals?”
She mentioned common distractions that we all deal with. That weed that needs pulling. That article that needs reading. That errand that needs running.
And I get it. I can’t do yoga at home or I will end up sweeping dust bunnies EVERY. DAMN. TIME.
I digress.
There are times when will-power doesn’t have enough umph. So how can we power up our will to do what needs to be done?
I’d like to introduce you to an exercise that I call:
Set the Stage.
I joked on the call that we need to treat the activity like it’s a first date. It’s not exactly a fun experience to put yourself out there with someone new or a task you are avoiding so you have to get yourself in the right mindset.
You want to feel good so you play music to hype yourself up, put on clothes that feel flattering, drink your favorite coffee, and maybe you even do something with your hair, makeup, or jewelry.
The prep is not so much about impressing your date as it is about setting the stage to show up feeling your best… putting your best foot forward.
What I’m suggesting is that when you have a challenging task to accomplish, like maybe:
Making videos…
Reviewing your finances…
A 2-hour yoga session…
Set the stage in a way that allows you to be fully committed in the moment.
I don’t really like to do my hair and put on makeup, so if I take the time to get made up, I’m committed to the videos I need to film. (I REALLY don’t want to have to do my hair and make up again later because I got distracted.)
If I’m sitting down to work on finances, I make myself a favorite hot drink (Four Sigmatic Lion's Mane baby!) and work on my laptop on my bed (surprising?! Well, I need to feel cozy to get really in the zone with spreadsheets… I know what works for me).
To commit to my intense yoga routine, I need to not be tempted to do chores. I HAVE to get out of the house if I’m going to make it through 2 hours of arm balances and pranayama breathwork.
My last thought on setting the stage to power up your will is about the power itself. I noted with my MitM coaching client that she used the phrase, “distractions suck me in and away from what I want to do.”
The words she chose painted a picture of some force outside of her control and let me know that she is GIVING AWAY HER POWER.
On a subconscious level, the distractions had power over her. Power that she GAVE AWAY to the distractions.
Pay attention to how you speak about what holds you back. You might discover that you have so much more power than you realized when you can face how you give your power away.
TAKE IT BACK. Own the places where you leak your personal power. Claim it. Use it. Funnel that energy to set the stage for your success.
✊May your desires be greater than your obstacles,
Catherine Respess
Visionary & Founder of Red Mare
P.S. Also don't forget, Mastery in the Making is now being held on Mondays at 4 PM EST. Join us!