One Drop of Inspiration
5 small doses of inspiration that helped me change my behaviour
"A small spark can start a great fire." – Emmet Fox
This week I learnt how to record a tiny segment of a podcast on my phone. My inspiration was wanting to send a friend a clip of the singer Lily Allen talking about the benefits of meditation.
My friend has been talking about meditating for years. One clip later and she has now been meditating everyday for the last 8 days ‘surprisingly helpful’ she texted me this morning. You can listen to Lily’s clip here, it’s quiet for the first few seconds.
It reminded me that humans are a tribal species who are heavily influenced by the people they come into contact with. We imitate those around us, both consciously and unconsciously. This 75 year study is the overwhelming evidence.
I’m currently in Norway (staying on for a few days after working for a new client) and noticed a few of those Fjällräven rucksacks. I remember a couple of years ago when it seemed 90% of Cambridge owned one of these rucksacks. When did everyone decide they all wanted the same bag? In Bergen this rucksack is ‘on trend’ as they say. And the strange thing? I now fancy one of these bags!
This form of behavioural imitation is best experienced in our families. Parents will know their children are much more likely to imitate their own behaviour, rather than a verbal request from mum or dad. We have almost certainly noticed ourselves doing something our parents did that we promised ourselves we would never do ‘ I’m turning into my Dad, I can’t believe it’.
Humans are deeply influenced by each other, often imitating behaviours, ideas, and trends. This helps us learn, grow, and connect, but it also means we sometimes repeat mistakes or follow others without thinking.
The good news is we can benefit from the influence of others. Below are some examples of how one spark of inspiration helped change or alter my behaviour in a beneficial way. One of these might be useful for you. It’s ok if not.
An alternative approach is to think of someone you really admire or respect. Do a 10 minute google researching their daily routine. What helps them focus, exercise, sleep? When you see one that brings a strong emotional response, ‘I fancy doing that’ plan to test it once a day for the next three days to see how you feel.
Sparks of Inspiration
I fell out of love with running due to knee pain and monotonous running routes. Then I saw this film and I started running again. I’ve used these exercises to repair my knees (took about 6 months, 1 workout a week), I can now run 10K a week pain free! And it feels so good.
I overhead my sister telling my mum how well she was sleeping, I asked her what she was taking. 300mg of magnesium just before bed. I’ve used spray on magnesium for years. I tried the supplement instead and my depth of sleep has noticeably improved. I use this brand.
I got into the habit of meditating after my exercise. Then I got into the habit of doing my exercise mid morning as a reward for 2 hours of Deep Work in the mornings. Then I read this book, I haven't read it cover to cover, just certain chapters at random. Now I’m back to doing my meditation after my early morning walk and a couple of stretches. The focus feels easier and I feel lighter, less intense.
As many of you will know I use a countdown timer everyday. It’s my number 1 tool to focus and complete Deep Work. I set the timer for 20 minutes to focus on one thing without distraction, by the time the alarm sounds I’ve reached flow. I then reset the timer for another 30 mins (total 50 mins of focus), then I take a break. Its vital the countdown timer is NOT our phone for obvious reasons. I've owned multiple countdown timers, this is by far the best one. If you ever find it difficult to focus I encourage you to test a countdown timer once a day for the next week.
The world, as we know, has gone crazy for kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and anything that supports our gut microbiome. I understand the science and have enjoyed these products intermittently yet I never made them a habit. Until my mum suggested I try this ginger kefir yogurt. I now eat it everyday and I’m not sure if the benefits are psychosomatic or not, but I feel great and I’m sure my skin looks brighter.
Final Thoughts
One of my favourite podcast episodes is this one. Attempting to understand why time feels like it goes faster as we get older. Time felt like it moved slower (the summer holidays felt like a lifetime) when we were children because we frequently came across new places, people and experiences. Then as we became adults we got locked into the same robotic routines. Time feels like it moves faster and life can feel less enjoyable.
The remedy? New experiences, new places, new people, new stimuli. (All these also help reduce cognitive decline)
We can really help ourselves by seeking out new things. Offering us the chance to come across sources of inspiration that can have a profound affect on our lives. Talk to a friend, ask them if they’ve tried anything different in the last few months. Ask yourself; where is one place you've always wanted to visit? What’s one class you've always wanted to try? Could you do a new walk this weekend? Read a different paper? Try a new coffee shop?
Who knows where it might lead, what problem we might be able to solve. It’s surprising how often one drop of inspiration can change our lives for the better.
You are a good person, doing your best. That’s the most each of us can do.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
- Carl Rogers
This week I enjoyed:
Climbing some mini mountains in Norway - photo below
Need a hand? Feel alone? Don’t wait, contact someone today. You deserve support as much as anyone else. You are not alone. Reply to this message if that’s easiest.
Text Shout - 85258 - simple support via text, I used when I wasn't sure who to turn to
Call Samaritans 116 123 - no problem too small, I've used a couple of times, once during a relationship break up, once when one of my family said they were suicidal and I wasn't sure who to ask for help
NHS Every Mind Matters - simple and effective resources you can access immediately here
On top of mount Lyderhorn, Bergen, Norway.
