🎈 (#2) Lazy Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Image Credit: Tiger (IG: @jyo_john_mulloor) & Dragon (IG: @adielthecreator.official)

Read Time: 5 minutes

Message from the Author:

Full Transparency... I almost stopped writing about this topic for Issue #2.

Being new to expressing my vision creatively through writing - I started over-thinking and second guessing my ideas. I want to ensure I create something that people can engage with, and I value your feedback and support as the reader, But I was over-thinking it.

I then remembered why I started this Newsletter. Being early into creating this platform - I reminded myself that I have to stay in tune with my gut feel and what is calling me in the moment. By doing this I will find the balance between the true voice and making something impactful to others.

Whilst trying to write about other topics - something kept pulling me back to this… Maybe I needed to hear it myself, or maybe someone else out here needs to hear it too.

So here we are … Issue #2 (which will forever be known as the rollercoaster to me!). Lazy Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Hope you enjoy and gain something to take away!

Who else hears that small voice in their head?

You know the one, that voice that says things like…

• Sleep in today - its ok; Or

• It’s cold - let’s stay warm for another 10 minutes; What about -

• You trained hard today - you can eat that donut; Or

• You had a big week; Let’s start again on Monday.

Now... I’m not saying any of these are bad or we shouldn’t listen to our bodies.

We need to rest; we need time to indulge, and we need moments to unplug.

I like to make sure I build this into my own lifestyle.

The hardest thing to do is finding the balance, finding the consistency and finding your real voice.

Below is a question I believe we should ask ourselves when that voice starts to appear.

Is my mind, body and soul actually needing this right now? or am I just wanting to stay in the comfort zone?

Keep this in mind as we explore further.

Lazy Tiger, Hidden Dragon - What does that mean?

You probably figured it out already - the headline was inspired by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. One of my favs.

The name Lazy Tiger, Hidden Dragon has a Symbolic meaning.

The Lazy Tiger is an exaggerated representation of us. With all the potential in the world. It shows that if we continue to make poor choices and stack bad habits - we may not get the opportunity to meet this version of ourselves. That’s a scary thought.

The Hidden Dragon comes from my own belief. The Optimist in me - who thinks that, even when we fall off track or in this case, become the Lazy Tiger - there is a Hidden Dragon inside. You just need the key to unlock it.

Do The Thing!!!

Earlier in the week, I had seen the picture of a Chubby Tiger and thought to myself… Wow … even a Tiger could become unhealthy.

Weird right?

But it goes deeper …

This then led me to think about us as humans and fulfilling our own potential.

(Yes, I know what you may be thinking…but this is how my mind works - a full philosophical thought from one picture lol)

Then…

This led me down a path of researching Laziness and Motivation.

I wanted to understand what was triggering “The L word”.

Most of us know what we need to do, some of us even set goals or have already made plans to do it.

But why can’t we just motivate ourselves?

If we know what to do - why can’t we stop being lazy and just - Do the Thing?

If we don’t answer some of these questions - we may continue to follow the same cycles and patterns over and over again.

The Trigger Summary (Lazy Version)

I was now on a quest to better understand what is within our control and what is causing us to be “Lazy”.

Insert Distraction & Discomfort - Not the only causes, but interesting thoughts occurred when reviewing and reflecting.

• Distraction (noun)

  a thing that prevents someone from concentrating on something else; a diversion or recreation: extreme agitation of the mind;

  • Some say we distract ourselves in times of boredom. Like, picking up our phones and scrolling socials for hours on end (agree with this)

  • Some see distractions in a positive way, as long as there is intent behind what you are doing in the moment (not for me this one)

  • Then finally - some would suggest that we use Distraction to avoid Discomfort.

Hmmmm….

When I heard how Distraction could lead to avoiding Discomfort. I was intrigued…

I started to reflect back on past situation where I chose not to “Do The Thing” and I started to connect some dots.

• Discomfort (noun)

  mental or physical uneasiness; annoyance; slight pain

In summary - Psychology says:

That our brains will aim to avoid or remove discomfort to protect us from potential harm or threat.

The tricky thing is - there are times when our brain doesn’t know the difference between something that will actually harm us vs something that is just making us feel uncomfortable in the moment.

Interesting right?

If we can start to identify the difference between actual harm vs the uncomfortable moments in time - we can gain control and start to move forward.

Yes? - Maybe.

It still requires action…

This May Help You

I have found “Surfing The Urge” helpful.

That first moment when you feel uncomfortable, and the voice kicks in.

Surf The Urge instead of Reacting. If you can surf for up to 10 minutes - you increase your chances of staying the course.

2 Additional Tools I use to help build mental resilience:

• Cold Showers (doesn’t have to be long - don’t think - just turn the dial to cold for a few seconds at first)- Trains my mind to lean into discomfort.

• Intermittent Fasting - Helps me train my mind to handle the discomfort of hunger and resisting the urge to react to the temptation of food. Can be tough some days - I’m a foodie & a snacker.

If you enjoyed this post - pass it on and share with someone that may need to read or hear this.

You made it to the end!!

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

• Before reacting - ask yourself: Is my mind, body and soul actually needing this right now? or am I just wanting to stay in the comfort zone?

• Even if you feel like a Lazy Tiger - There is a Hidden Dragon inside - find the key to unlock it.

• Be aware of Distraction and Discomfort in your day-to-day lives - are you reacting or responding?

• Use Tools like - “Surfing The Urge” (to increase your chances) & Cold Showers or Fasting to build resilience and gain control.

Aim to challenge yourself over the following days and “Do The Thing” at least one time. Reflect on it and see what you gain.

Until next week fam!

JC