Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As I sat on my suitcase and still struggled to zip it, I wondered if I really needed to buy that Estes Park sweatshirt. As I packed up my belongings to depart from my first trip to Wyoming, I realized that I didn’t need many of the clothing items that I had brought and could’ve used more of a few other things. I immediately knew that I would approach packing differently for the next trip.
Overcoming sabotaging or crippling tendencies can be thought of the same way as travel, from the preparation to the navigation to various potential activities. Fortunately, Merriam Webster Dictionary defines practice as “to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient” or “to train by repeated exercises”. This broad definition means that we can practice both our physical actions in our daily lives and our mindset. As I prepare for my next trip to Wyoming, let me show you the correlation via travel.
New places are filled with uncertainty
The first time I packed to go to Wyoming, I really struggled with my packing situation. First of all, I wanted to fit everything into a carry-on bag because I had connecting flights and knew the second flight would be a tiny plane; I didn’t want to risk any lost baggage. Add on to that the fact that we’d be doing a variety of activities including a rodeo, a museum, hiking, and breweries. Despite being in contact with my friends who lived out there on what to bring and their generous offers to take me shopping for anything that I may need, I still thought and re-thought my packing to make sure that I was prepared for all situations and the more volatile weather.
Overthinking is one of my crippling and sabotaging tendencies that I’m practicing remedying. Packing for Wyoming for the first time was very similar to my mindset before becoming more aware of and practicing reframing my thoughts. Just as a hodgepodge of items ended up in my suitcase to prepare for all scenarios, thoughts often subconsciously cloud my mind during my daily life. These thoughts are usually either replaying the past to see if I could’ve handled a situation better or worrying about some future potential scenario and all the possible ways that it could play out.
When I’m not aware of and mindful of these thoughts running through my mind, the thoughts become rampant and crippling. I run out of space for new productive and creative thoughts to flow in, just as I ran out of space in my suitcase for what quickly became my favorite sweatshirt.
Familiar places provide a blueprint
When you return to a destination, you feel much more certain about what to expect. As I write this and prepare for my upcoming trip to Wyoming, I feel much more intentional about what I will be packing. I know some of the activities that we will be going back to such as the rodeo, I’m not shy about asking to use the washer and dryer, and I know I need to prioritize outdoor adventure clothing.
I generally know where things are, what the climate is, and how the daily routine looks.
However, there is still some uncertainty that remains. What will the weather be like this year assuming there isn’t record breaking heat like last year? How much snow will be left in the mountains and what condition will the hiking trails be in? What will any new activities look like?
Practicing mindset to overcome sabotaging tendencies is no different. Once you become aware of these tendencies and begin to shift your mindset to overcome the limiting beliefs causing them, you begin to feel a sense of more control. In familiar situations, you continue to practice this mindset and eventually start to feel free and in control of this tendency.
However, as new scenarios pop up, old habits may start to subconsciously come back into play. Because you haven’t practiced your mindset in this set of circumstances, you need to start the process again of awareness and reframing limiting beliefs. This will again feel uncomfortable and take practice to make it stick.
Part of becoming disciplined in this practice comes with setting goals and, per Ed Mylett, equally important standards. If you’re interested in learning about how standards are essential to reaching your goals, I recommend The Power of One More by Ed Mylett (links to Hardcover and Kindle).
Favorite places feel like home
As familiar destinations become favorite destinations, they begin to feel like home. You’ve learned the popular spots and also the local gems. You’ve learned the weather patterns and how to prepare for different seasons. You’ve learned where and how to leverage different resources for different situations.
There is a sense of comfort throughout the entire preparation and travel process, not just in the vacationing aspect. Decision making becomes easy because you feel like a local and you feel at ease and comfortable knowing you can handle any situation that arises.
Again, the same is true for training your mindset to overcome sabotaging tendencies. The more you practice your awareness, mindfulness, and tactics to reframe your mindset in a variety of circumstances, the more naturally this will come and the more truly transformed you will be.
You will feel more comfortable in your own skin, ready to adapt to and handle whatever metaphorical season comes your way, and ready to be resourceful when the need arises. This will unlock a feeling of freedom, joy, and strength throughout your daily life. You yourself will feel more centered and energized which will have trickle down effects to those around you as well. You’ll begin to feel momentum in your life and once you recognize that traction you will become unstoppable.
So next time you are feeling defeated because you feel you continue to fall back into the same tendencies, give yourself some grace, close your eyes, and take yourself to your favorite destination. Think about how packing felt the first time you went compared to now. Think about how laborious planning and logistics were compared to how seasoned you are now. Think of exactly how the weather is this time of year. Remember that just as it took time to learn, adapt, and grow into your favorite destination, it takes time to learn, practice, and master your new mindset.
If you’re interested in learning how to better channel this joy, strength, and freedom in your life, contact me through my website jamiedykstra.com/ using the button below or message me on LinkedIn or Instagram @jamiedykstracreates to learn more about my transformational coaching. I also invite you to subscribe to my email communications for additional content using the button below.
Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide, professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences for those that may find them relatable and helpful.