Is five minutes of practice a day superior to an all-or-nothing approach to goal setting? Researchers seem to think so. This month, my family is putting it to the test.
I had a stroke about 3 years ago. I was go, go, go -- so much so that this time of year my 200+ Christmas cards would have been mailed, tree up with lights and ornaments, present wrapped and mailed when needed. Baking would be started and nearly completed.
Post stroke, I had to be reminded to rinse shampoo from my hair ... and so much more. Happily, I've regained so many daily goals, but, his time of year I am lagging far behind. So, I am dedicating 10 minutes daily to address Christmas cards. Wish me luck!
Ann, oh my gosh, what a journey you've been on. It certainly reframes everything. While I admire anyone who's able to prep for the holidays in the way you describe, 10 minutes of steady focus also strikes me as balance. I've given up on cards this year. Too many other balls in the air. But I love receiving them. xo
First, as mom to a gymnast and former gymnastics coach myself (okay, I was the team's dance coach, but they made me coach floor exercise more times than I wanted!), I must commend you on good handstand form from that top photo! A five-minute handstand is a core workout that puts a five-minute plank to shame. Next, I love this tactic and can't wait to share it with my other daughter, the one who at the age of 16 lamented "I'm so afraid of being afraid of failing, I can't even begin to... (fill in task or homework assignment of the day)." She recently got her ADHD diagnosis as a 28-year old adult. Oh, how the shame spiral of unmet goals hurts. Finally, one word stood out to me in this piece: curious. I adore how you're offering this family-shared activity as an experiment from a place of curiosity rather than achievement. To see what happens--how each of you might change; what you'll discover about the process or yourselves--instead of reaching for gold stars. Leading by curiosity is perhaps one of the greatest gifts you're giving your children. Brava, and enjoy the journey! (Unsolicited tip: pulling your ears between your arms rather than looking at your hands will straighten your spine a bit and allow you to hold the handstand longer. Kudos and bonus points for your pointed toes...though no one is handing out points. Just saying.)
I love all this advice! And you know better than anyone that the handstand is as mentally challenging as it is physically. My epiphany during yesterday’s practice: it’s being at the top that’s scary. Can I stay put and trust myself once I’ve landed where I want to be? (Great fodder for therapy!)
Thank you for sharing this experiment and its initial learnings. As a fellow all-or-nothing-er with a daughter who’d rather never try than fail, this seems like the perfect practice for all of us this holiday season. A baby commitment, no expectations other than consistency, and a shared sense of what might be possible. Happy handstanding and Happy Thanksgiving!
I had a stroke about 3 years ago. I was go, go, go -- so much so that this time of year my 200+ Christmas cards would have been mailed, tree up with lights and ornaments, present wrapped and mailed when needed. Baking would be started and nearly completed.
Post stroke, I had to be reminded to rinse shampoo from my hair ... and so much more. Happily, I've regained so many daily goals, but, his time of year I am lagging far behind. So, I am dedicating 10 minutes daily to address Christmas cards. Wish me luck!
Ann, oh my gosh, what a journey you've been on. It certainly reframes everything. While I admire anyone who's able to prep for the holidays in the way you describe, 10 minutes of steady focus also strikes me as balance. I've given up on cards this year. Too many other balls in the air. But I love receiving them. xo
First, as mom to a gymnast and former gymnastics coach myself (okay, I was the team's dance coach, but they made me coach floor exercise more times than I wanted!), I must commend you on good handstand form from that top photo! A five-minute handstand is a core workout that puts a five-minute plank to shame. Next, I love this tactic and can't wait to share it with my other daughter, the one who at the age of 16 lamented "I'm so afraid of being afraid of failing, I can't even begin to... (fill in task or homework assignment of the day)." She recently got her ADHD diagnosis as a 28-year old adult. Oh, how the shame spiral of unmet goals hurts. Finally, one word stood out to me in this piece: curious. I adore how you're offering this family-shared activity as an experiment from a place of curiosity rather than achievement. To see what happens--how each of you might change; what you'll discover about the process or yourselves--instead of reaching for gold stars. Leading by curiosity is perhaps one of the greatest gifts you're giving your children. Brava, and enjoy the journey! (Unsolicited tip: pulling your ears between your arms rather than looking at your hands will straighten your spine a bit and allow you to hold the handstand longer. Kudos and bonus points for your pointed toes...though no one is handing out points. Just saying.)
I love all this advice! And you know better than anyone that the handstand is as mentally challenging as it is physically. My epiphany during yesterday’s practice: it’s being at the top that’s scary. Can I stay put and trust myself once I’ve landed where I want to be? (Great fodder for therapy!)
Ooohhhh. Gonna sit with that one on the mat tomorrow. Trusting ourselves, faithfully. Ooph.
Thank you for sharing this experiment and its initial learnings. As a fellow all-or-nothing-er with a daughter who’d rather never try than fail, this seems like the perfect practice for all of us this holiday season. A baby commitment, no expectations other than consistency, and a shared sense of what might be possible. Happy handstanding and Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh, please report back! I'd love to know how it goes!