YOU and your time are so precious.
Truly, they are.
There’s never been, nor will there ever be, another you.
I’m not saying this just to be nice ;).
Science tells us the odds of YOU being born exactly as you are is 1 in 400 trillion.
Which makes unproductive, low-mood days even worse, right?
If you’re struggling to do what you say you will — eat better, exercise more, meditate, journal, stop overthinking, sleep better, be a better partner and friend, be more productive, catch up on emails, sort life admin, clean your house — this post’s for you.
I’m sharing 2 simple steps that’ll ensure, just a few hours from now, you’ll be proud of yourself, not disappointed.
You’ll also learn:
- The best way to get started on anything
- A simple technique to help you feel lighter in 2 minutes
- How to take action even when you don’t feel like it
Why You Feel Stuck
When your brain’s overwhelmed, it shuts down. A natural — but not so helpful — defence mechanism designed to protect you.
It’s why scrolling online, emails and snacking become hard to resist. They give your brain immediate relief from the discomfort of uncertainty and lack of control.
How To Get Unstuck
This might surprise you, but lack of willpower or motivation isn’t your problem.
It’s trying to use logic to overcome behaviours influenced by your feelings.
You need to manage your feelings to change your behaviour.
Step 1. Compassionately shift your emotional state
Starting at seven, count backwards to one. Stand up. Switch your phone to aeroplane mode and put it in a drawer.
Then make a coffee, step outside, and wander around for 2 minutes while enjoying it (rubbish weather? do it inside!). You’ll instantly feel lighter as your emotions start to shift.
Why this works: Movement changes your neurochemistry, positively impacting your brain function and behaviour.
In other words, it interrupts the negative thought spirals you’re caught up in and loosens the heavy feeling created by them.
Step 2. Break things down into tiny pieces
Standing at your kitchen counter — don’t risk sitting down 😉 — list on paper everything you wish you were doing or need to do.
Then choose ONE thing that’ll take 5 minutes or less to do. And write it on a sticky note or a separate piece of paper.
Put your long list out of sight. Then, do your 5-minute task.
Repeat step 2 as many times as needed.
Why this works: Clearing your mind of everything you “should” be doing creates feelings of calm and clarity that improve your brain’s functioning and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Choosing one small manageable task creates feelings of control and possibility that make taking action easier.
Side note: If you haven’t got a 5-minute task on your long list, choose the easiest one. Then, on your sticky note, write down a 5-minute action step that’ll move you closer to completing your bigger task.
Also, if you’re like me, you’ll overthink this and wonder if you’ve chosen the right thing! Don’t let your brain trick you back to overwhelm — choose something, anything, and just do it.
YOUR FREE GUIDE
These two steps will help you get unstuck and feel lighter right now, but if you want lasting change, you’ll need a more strategic approach that focuses on your everyday habits.
That’s why I created The Ultimate 5-Step Guide To Healthy Habits — to help you be the best version of you — happy, confident and successful on your terms.
Just enter your name and email below to get instant access.
Feel In Control Again
You can feel in control of yourself and your life again.
But it doesn’t come from wishful thinking. It requires a shift in your emotional state, which comes from physical movement and productive action.
Unfortunately, when you discover a tool like this, your brain tends to say, “We’ll do it in a minute”.
But as you know, that minute never comes.
So, please stop reading this and start DOING Steps 1 and 2 above. In just 7 minutes, you’ll feel lighter and in control.
Your future self will be so glad you did.
Thanks for reading. And, if you have family, friends or colleagues who could benefit from this post too, please share it.
With encouragement,
Becky
P.S. Save this quote to keep you inspired and motivated:
