Each winter, our immune system does battle with the evil flu, cold and cough. It doesn’t make us completely immune to disease or sickness – but it helps us fend them off and bounce back from any illness we might endure. So perhaps now would be a good time to thank your immune system for doing its job so well.
Perhaps it’s because our immune system does such a good job that most people mistakenly believe they’ll “live forever”. Maybe it’s not quite that extreme, but most people rarely think about how their present-day actions will affect their future wellbeing.
It’s like comparing your body to your car. Would you ever drive your car on empty? Would you ever drive your gas-fueled car after putting diesel in it? This old perspective has such wisdom in it that it’s difficult to think of a new one.
Now try comparing your mind to your bank account. Think of “withdrawals” as draining negative experiences, and deposits as positive experiences that fill you with energy. An example of a withdrawal is hours of self-criticism after a pitch didn’t go well at work. An example of a deposit is keeping a promise you made to yourself, or achieving a goal.
The fact is, you’d never go to the bank and ask to withdraw more than you deposited. You make the same amount of withdrawals as you do deposits. Similarly, you need to perform positive acts to keep your “mind bank”, or “mentality immunity” strong. This means that on those occasions where you’ve made a lot of withdrawals and consequently drained your mental immunity, you have some “deposits” you need to make up.
Here are a few tips to keep your mental immune system up and running. These deposits will help you battle any rejections, mistakes or criticisms you may receive:
I believe there’s power in writing in a journal power and simply having a place to vent, express yourself and allow your creativity to flow. Keep this journal next to your bed so you can write in it the moment you feel inspired.
Create a 20-25 song playlist filled with songs such as “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby
McFerrin. I strongly believe you can start to develop your mental immunity simply by listening to positive, up-beat and genuinely happy music. Give your ears (and mind) a gift!
Wake up 30 minutes before you “technically” have to and sit with a blank piece of paper
and pen. I believe the most profound aspect of this is simply giving your mind a chance to DUMP or PLUNK. Allow your hand to flow freely. Don’t take it off the page – just write thought after thought. No judgments, just your genuine morning thoughts.
On a monthly basis, get out a big board, loads of magazines (or markers) and turn your attention towards what you want to see happen in the next month. Take some time to imagine what your future may look like. Then look for images that reflect this, paste them on your board and keep it somewhere you can see it often.
This is a process that can take years – and it starts with simply noticing that nagging voice in the back of your head. What does the negative voice in your head stop you from doing? How does it make you feel? Start to notice and hear those thoughts, and then ask it kindly (or in some cases, fiercely) to go and bother someone else.
Coaching is about awareness, action, accountability and FUN! If you want to keep yourself in tune with who you are and where you’re going, get a great coach!
Try following these some simple strategies and techniques to keep your mental immunity intact and you may be pleasantly surprised to see your deposits – and your own sense of wellbeing – rise accordingly.
