Pinpoint Your Personal Platitudes: A Mini Homework Challenge
Our current theme of change and action has been really challenging and uncomfortable, BUT it's exactly what you may need right now. Blind spots can often be these protective things – platitudes of sorts – that we tell ourselves.
Maybe you’ve been telling yourself ‘I’m always going to be okay’ since you were a kid. As a child this was once a protective and wise shield against fear. Today, it can be holding you back during challenging times, because it keeps you from taking action.
Another platitude can be: "I like my independence." It means that you can often spend long stretches of time alone, because you enjoy your own company, but it can also lead to isolation.
Now, how do we work with this? I've learned there's a stage between ACCEPTANCE and MOTIVATION. It's ADJUSTING to awareness, spotting unhelpful habits, and noticing those platitudes.
For me, it's about:
Pinpointing the Blind Spot: 🔍🧐 (they're becoming clearer with mindful practice).
Accepting Its Existence and Being Curious: 🤔🌟
Adjusting to Awareness - Challenging: 🔄🆕
Motivating Myself to Action: 💪🚀
✏️ HOMEWORK CHALLENGE
I like the idea of a little weekly challenge or bit of personal work to take us from week to week This week, I invite you to reflect on platitudes – these can be phrases, cultural or spiritual teachings – that might be holding you back. Here are a few that I thought of:
"You have to be thankful for what you have."
While gratitude is crucial, this platitude could possibly stifle ambition, making you feel guilty for wanting more.
"Never show weakness."
This could hide vulnerability, preventing authentic connections and growth.
"Don't make waves; keep the peace."
It avoids confrontation but may keep you from advocating for change.
"Don't dwell on the past; move on."
This platitude can overlook valuable lessons from your history.
Can you relate to any of these? Do you have any of your own? Join this week’s Mindset Boost and get more mindset tools and homework reflection.