There’s a common story that repeats itself when learning a new skill. At first, the new task feels impossible, then it feels awkward, later it begins to feel natural, and finally it feels like it’s always been part of us. In between these steps, we repeat the task again and again. Gradually, it moves from our conscious to our subconscious as we internalize. Our subconscious systems are incredible. They allow us to execute with near perfection on the things that we have internalized.
In her book, “How To Do The Work”, Nicole LePera shares that our subconscious wants us to stay in our automatic patterns because that uses the least amount of energy. After all, we are still products of our evolution and, until very recently, energy conservation was essential for survival. Once we internalize an efficient way to play a major scale, brush our teeth, or navigate a weekly meeting, our subconscious has a powerful incentive to repeat that way of doing things.
On the other hand, our conscious mind can reflect on our situation and see changes that would improve our lives if we internalized a new way of doing things instead. So, when we’re seeking to make a change, it’s important to remember that our very powerful subconscious will resist. On some level, it feels like a literal matter of life and death to change our internalized patterns.
At first it feels impossible. Repeat. Repeat.
Then it feels awkward. Repeat. Repeat.
Then it starts to feel natural. Repeat.
Until it feels like it’s always been a part of you.
Helpful Questions
What are the patterns that keep causing you the most trouble?
What change would you make?
What new pattern can you practice (repeat) until it becomes internalized?
A Video That I Love To Repeat
Yoga With Adriene - 10 Minute Routine (Youtube) (12 min)
I have found this routine incredibly rejuvenating. I had to repeat it several times before I got the hang of it, but now it's a regular part of my self-care routine and I feel amazing after I'm done.
If you're interested in finding a yoga routine but this doesn't feel like the right place to start, she has lots of other great videos to try.
A Quote That Inspires Me
“Beliefs are practiced thoughts.”
-Nicole LePera, How To Do The Work
Yes, I'm repeating this quote. Repetition is good.
What I've Been Up To This Week
Podcast - I've released my first episode of the Something of Meaning Podcast with Aidan Young. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Music - Check out this video of me playing Come Together with my good friends Hannah McDonald (vocals) and Ryan Johnson (drums). We had a great time at that gig.
Writing - This post from about one year ago is speaking to me this week. Embrace Ritual. Repetition is Good.
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