As a part of my operation “Revisit the previous 15 years of Nerd Health,” and after writing about our Never 2 in a Row Rule, I up to date one of the vital widespread posts and concepts I’ve ever put collectively:
What began as an obscure line from an obscure Matt Damon film, We Purchased a Zoo, has since change into a rallying cry for the Nerd Health Rebel, our group of nerds.
Be happy to read the full article, however right here’s the quote from the film, the place Matt Damon is recounting to his son how he used 20 seconds of braveness to fulfill his spouse:
You understand, generally all you want is 20 seconds of insane braveness, simply actually 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery, and I promise you one thing nice will come of it.
Our lives are made up of a ton of fast actions that usually take far lower than 20 seconds. Beginning a dialog. Strolling by means of a door to the fitness center. Deciding the place to take a seat in a restaurant.
And since we’ve made so many of those selections, there’s a ton of inertia and historical past which may make us suppose we’re incapable of change.
Nonetheless, as Alan Watts factors out, “you might be below no obligation to be who you had been 5 minutes in the past.”
And as my buddy Tim City from Wait However Why shares, the paths behind us may be closed, however we all the time have selections shifting ahead:
Use 20 Seconds of Braveness to Do Arduous Issues
Brandon Sanderson gave an incredible digital discuss throughout the pandemic about doing arduous issues. He encourages us to undertake the next mentality relatively than simply “hope issues will work out!”:
“I can do arduous issues. Doing arduous issues has intrinsic worth, and they’re going to make me a greater individual, even when I find yourself failing.”
And generally we’d must do a tough factor that’s scary. Whether or not it’s becoming a member of a fitness center or standing up for your self at work, or lastly setting boundaries with your loved ones…
It’s okay if you happen to’re scared, by the best way.
Doing scary issues is hard, and we’re wired to belief our fears and keep away from scary eventualities, which has saved us alive for tons of of hundreds of years as a species.
However doing arduous issues is often a prerequisite for change, and our concern typically doesn’t match the fact of the occasion itself.
As Seneca shares in his letter to Lucilius:
“There are extra issues, Lucilius, prone to frighten us than there are to crush us; we endure extra typically in creativeness than in actuality.”
Which is the place 20 seconds of braveness is available in!
The 20 Seconds of Braveness Problem
I feel this quote from Jerzy Gregorek paints an fascinating image:
“Simple selections, arduous life. Arduous selections, simple life.”
Change can occur right away, and your life’s path can change because of any single choice you make.
Right here’s tips on how to take part:
- Choose one thing you wish to do however have been too scared to aim.
- Freak the F out earlier than you do the factor.
- Muster up 20 seconds of braveness and take that one motion.
- Pee your pants after (optionally available).
And listed below are some prompts to get you began:
- Saying sure to one thing you’d usually say no to.
- Going to a part of the gym that you just’re afraid of.
- Establishing boundaries with your loved ones.
- Having an uncomfortable dialog.
- Talking to a complete stranger.
- Taking extra initiative at work.
- Signing up for a brand new class.
- Standing up for your self.
- Main a military of Transformers in opposition to the Decepticons.
Attempt it this week, and let me know the way it seems!
-Steve
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