Whether you are on the field, in a meeting, on a trip or having dinner with a friend or colleague, we all encounter moments that impact us. But how can we retain these often fleeting insights? Maybe they are telling something we want to improve or act on. Let’s recognize our brain is our training hub.
Desiree Linden, this year’s Boston Marathon winner, and the first American woman to win it in 33 years, declared that much of the work she did to train and win this historic race was mental. Her training regime was certainly rigorous and there’s no denying that it paid off. But, it’s not a secret. The great athletes realize it’s what you tell and train your brain to think.
So, one might ask, how do I train my brain? What’s the secret sauce to shift my perceptions about things so I am more in touch with myself, my feelings, and maybe even my actions.
There’s no one solution. But for some, journaling is a powerful tool with many benefits. Write your thought in a diary, create a file on your computer, log it on an app. The idea of inventorying your feelings lets you be present with yourself.
Think about why you would want to do it:
You’re booking yourself an appointment with you. That’s personal, and the fact you do it, let’s you reflect on your feelings. We’re all busy, but time with you is special.
Fresh points of views. When you record your feelings, emotions, and experiences you can “step away” from those moments that cause those feelings. Voila, you may find that you can re-frame or freshen your perception so it’s working in a more positive way for you. And that can feel great.
Recording your story. What a neat thing to be able to reflect on your chronicles. No matter who you share them with or for that matter nobody, the mere fact that you are present with these instances makes them that much more meaningful.
For you, a team, an organization, your brain has special powers, just think about feeding it. A little training goes a long way.
