Episode 401: Micro - Disciplines

Could micro-disciplines be the key to transformation? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard With the start of the calendar year the allure of resolutions and making sweeping changes is real. However, when I try to make big changes, I am often setting myself up for failure. The notion of "micro-discipline" came from one of my favorite poets, David Whyte. Rather than making big, sweeping changes, how can I make miniature, infinitesimal changes? We are the culmination of our actions and decisions while also being creatures of habit. It is really difficult to change our habits. Therefore, micro-disciplines is valuable. Some examples: rather than starting a new mindfulness practice, I'll set my alarm to go off once a day and when it does I do a body scan. Rather than attempting a whole new diet overnight, I menu plan for one meal that week with that diet in mind. Thinking about what boundaries I want to have and try practicing those boundaries first with someone who feels lower stakes. By setting small accomplishable tasks, having a win, and building our wins, and then deciding whether or not the task is worth continuing, I'm setting myself up for success. Often, research shows, the things we THINK will make us happy, are not the things that DO. The way massive ships change direction are in part by a small mechanism called "trim tabs." These devices dip into the water creating drag and slowing the boat on one side so it can turn. I like to think of these mini habits like "trim tabs." Creating a little bit of change that might change the course of my life. What micro-discipline might you start with? What have you tried? What is an area where you could put your attention and create a bit of change? This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.