Episode 15 | Move from reacting to responding, from a routine to a practice.

In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge the conventional wisdom around routines and explore the power of building a personal practice. They discuss how our fight-or-flight responses are deeply wired and why it's beneficial to have these triggers. The conversation gets into the importance of voluntary discomfort and how it can lead to a more fulfilling life. They also address the misconception that feelings should be suppressed, suggesting instead that feelings can be valuable cues for growth. Through practical steps and relatable examples, they offer insights on how to wake up to our triggers, assess our safety, and move toward discomfort for personal growth. Join us as we share strategies for leveraging feelings and building sustainable practices that help us become more resilient and present in our daily lives.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:06 Redeeming Feelings
• 02:41 George Costanza's Opposite Approach
• 05:46 Leveraging Emotions
• 09:23 Building a Personal Practice
• 17:46 Practical Steps to Handle Emotions
• 23:33 Persisting Through the Mundane

Mentions:

• George Costanza: A character from the TV show "Seinfeld," used as a metaphor for decision-making by doing the opposite of one's initial instinct.
• James Clear: Author of "Atomic Habits," mentioned in the context of building habits and routines.
• Seth Godin: Referenced for his ideas on the rarity of actual danger in modern life compared to historical threats like saber-tooth tigers.
• Hypothalamus Hijack: Mentioned as a physiological response during heightened emotional states.

Anchor Actions:

1. Practice Awareness and Safety Check: When you feel a strong emotional surge, take a moment to recognize it. Ask yourself, "Am I actually in danger?" If not, use this awareness to pause and prevent a reactive response. This step helps to break the automatic cycle of fight, flight, or freeze.
2. Lean into Discomfort: Once you’ve established that you’re safe, intentionally move toward the thing you’re resisting. Whether it’s listening more intently, asking a clarifying question, or engaging in a challenging conversation, taking this step helps build resilience and adaptability.
3. Build a Personal Practice: Develop and maintain a personal practice that includes small, consistent habits of voluntary discomfort, such as cold showers or fasting. These practices train your mind and body to handle stress better, making it easier to stay present and composed in challenging situations.

Join Us:

Our Membership Community (MWOD) is where we embrace discomfort as a path to personal development. Remember, it's probably not for you... but if we're wrong about that, or if you want to find out for yourself, visit us at MWOD.io 🦬

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