Self Control Week

I am a huge movie fan. I have loved movies for as long as I can remember. My husband is more of a "give me a game to watch and I’m happy" kind of guy. So I tend to get my movie watching in on the weekends when he is traveling with the team. I remember watching a movie called CLICK a few years ago. In the movie Adam Sandler is able to fast-forward past the unpleasant moments in his life. He fast-forwards past arguments with his wife, meetings with his boss, etc., he is able to just skip that part of life and get to the good stuff. As the story unfolds his family basically moves on without him. Because he is not actively engaged with family, friends, and co-workers he slowly excuses himself from life. At one point he wakes up and finds that he has aged, he’s unhappy with his life, and wonders how things ended up the way they did. 

      

When I watched this movie I couldn’t help but wonder, am I placing myself in this same position? Looking at e-mails, text messages, or other things on my phone instead of listening intently to my husband and kids. Have I made choices to watch a movie or TV show instead of reading a book that I’ve been meaning and wanting to read? At night I have found times where I want to get to be early because I am in training, but as I am tucking into bed I find myself wondering where the time went. Why wasn’t I able to get the things done that I wanted to accomplish? Almost every time I have had this thought I stop and reflect on my day, and I can see places here and there that I chose either something else or nothing at all, over accomplishing the things of importance. Is it possible that I’m not alone in this? Could there be others out there in the same predicament?

If I’m not alone, then I propose that we wake our minds, shut off autopilot and make conscious decisions. No more of this driving to work and not even remembering any part of the drive because our brains were on autopilot. Dr. Manning told me of an experience he had eating one of his favorite burgers. The story goes that he was eating this burger while trying work at the same time, multitasking right? After a while of taking a bite, putting the burger down and typing, he looked down at the wrapper and his burger was gone. The thought crossed his mind “did someone come in and eat my burger, where did it go?”. This was one of his favorite burgers and because his mind was somewhere else he didn't even get to enjoy the meal.

This week I plan on taking some minor steps to put my brain in control of my actions. Each day of the week there is a challenge listed. The challenges are not meant to be difficult, but will require thought and a bit of self-control. Good luck to all (including myself) who endeavor on this quest this week.

Monday

Today I will brush teeth with my non-dominate hand

Case Western Reserve University did a study and found that small changes in a persons habits for example brushing your teeth with the opposite hand can increase your stamina for focusing on tasks. - source: lifehacker.com

Tuesday

Today I will drive the speed limit and not exceed the speed limit.

It is amazing the will power this takes. The longer you are in the car the more you realize how much we all seem to drive at least 5 miles an hour over the speed limit. Take a deep breath and keep an eye on your speedometer, tell yourself you can drive the speed limit. One thing to help you on this quest today is to look around and observe the other drivers around you, it seems that the faster the car is traveling the more tense and stressed the person. At least that is what I have observed when I've done this in the past. 

If you happen to by my father and already drive the speed limit on a regular basis. Your challenge this week and be to drive a different route than normal. Take in the new and different scenery, observe the different houses you pass.  

Wednesday

Today I will take 2 minutes and meditate

Meditation can increase focus, lower our anxiety, improve memory recall. Personally meditation allows me to spiritually take a moment for myself and connect with God. More information can be found at zen habits

Thursday

Today I will shower with the lights off

I cannot number the times I have been in the shower with the lights off and a lightbulb turns on in my head. I feel that the shower is one of the best places to think and also meditate. I'm not sure if the running water drowning  out all other noises, or the fact that no one can really bother you, no texting, calling, answering the door, nothing. The shower is my own personal sanctuary.

Friday

Today I will chew each bite of my food 20 times before swallowing. 

Yes this will take me longer to eat, but studies have shown this to be helpful in losing weight and reducing stress. For more information there is a great article on Zen Habits blog.

Saturday

Limit your time on your smart phone (outside of phone conversations) to 60 minutes

This will probably be one of the most difficult for me. For one because I don't pay attention to how much time I spend on my phone at any given time. For another because I use my phone quite often for a number of things. By unplugging from technology I open myself up to other things of value I may have been putting off up to now. 

Sunday

Today I chose to fast 2 meals

There are scientific benefits to fasting which can be searched on the internet. The benefits range from an aid in weight loss to positive things happening at the cell level. I chose to fast today for a more religious purpose in drawing me nearer to my Father in heaven. More information can be found at LDS.ORG

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