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Neurosweat
Finding center with mental anchors
We’ve all been caught up in life’s chaos (heck, this probably happens on the daily), so we intimately know how this feels. Our mind is scattered, all of our mental tabs are open, and we’re buzzing at an unsustainable speed. Although we may feel like we’re spinning out of control, we actually have quite a bit of agency over each moment. Instead of continuously getting carried away by the current of life and all its demands, we have ample opportunity to come back to center - that place of permanent inner stillness that allows us to reconnect to our purpose, clarify our path, and execute efficient and effective action steps. Mental anchors are short practices that quiet the mind, help us regain control, and allow us to focus on what’s important now.
How to rewire your brain to focus on the good
Fact: We pay more attention to negative elements in our environment than positive ones. There’s a good reason for this. The negativity bias evolved to help us survive in harsh conditions. Unfortunately, in today’s world, our overemphasis and heightened focus on negative elements is detrimental to our health. The good news is we can take advantage of neuroplasticity and rewire our brain.
Feel into your “why” to stay motivated
Articulating your why is necessary for maintaining steadfast motivation and for getting through the tough days (or seasons). Purpose is directly correlated with drive. And drive, as we know, is directly correlated with success - however you define that. . . You have been forced to step back from your sport in one way or another - and with that separation comes the opportunity for clarity. Why do you do what you do?
What are you afraid of?
We are all afraid of something. There are the common fears of snakes, public speaking, and bad guys. Then there are the deeper fears - failure, loss, and death.
What does fear feel like? And where do you feel it in your body? These are important questions to ask yourself when fear arises. It is also important to recognize that fear is the ego’s way of protecting us. However, the ego is sensitive, and much of the fear responses we experience are unnecessary.