Do You Feel Like Life is Out of Control?

If you're reading and or watching this when I first put it out, we're more than six months into a worldwide pandemic.  We're sick of hearing about uncertainties, unprecedented times, and even our new normal.

Depending on where you live, you may not be "going to" work, depending on whether you're considered an essential worker, still have a job, or already work at home like me.  Chances are you've been impacted in some way by the pandemic or the myriad of other crisis going on right now.

Watch the video or read the summary/transcript below and don't forget to leave a comment when you're done!

If you're in the United States, there are very few places you can travel outside of the US.  Our family chose not to travel at all.  We're grateful to live in a place where we can enjoy outside activities in a beautiful place most of the time.  (I won't go into the on again off again air pollution from the wildfires here).

It may feel like there aren't any adventures, you're not meeting new people, or feeling stretched enough to feel engaged.  In fact, you might be feeling boredom or restlessness setting in.  There's a reason for that!

And it's not that you're an ungrateful person!!!

Based on studies involving looking at thousands of people's brains with advanced imaging machines, neuroscientists have concluded that the brain is wired to seek and enjoy novelty and challenge.  When you're experiencing novelty and/or challenge, you're brain becomes much more activated.

Novel things make your mind sharp and cause your brain to release dopamine.  Your brain goes into figure it out mode.  It's what motivates us to learn and if the novelty challenges us, the brain's even more engaged.

Think about how happy you've been when you're engaged in something you enjoy that truly challenges you.  You may lose track of time and be completely absorbed.

Sometimes you may get into this flow by accident, but how much more powerful would it be if you could create these experiences.  In other words, if you could "control for new," as we say in High Performance Coaching.

That's one of the main keys of creating an extraordinary life is deciding how you want your life to be no matter what your external circumstances are!

On the other hand, no matter how much you have in your life, it won't be enough if without the introduction of new.  This doesn't mean that you have to cram a bunch of new things into your already busy life.

​What it means is you try to consistently add new experiences into your life.  Even in a pandemic!

Here are a few ideas for you to focus on new (rewritten slightly to focus on our current times):

• The 90-day getaway.  Every ninety days plan at least a long weekend  to take a break from your routine so that you can relax and rejuvenate.  If you can get away from home, great.  If not, have a "staycation," but be sure to experience something new.  Don't stay in your same routine.  Put it on your calendar ahead of time, so that you have something to look forward to.
• Develop a new skill.  Ordinarily I would say to try a new dance, language, or cooking class.  Or something related to your professional life.  Guess what!  You still can!  So many teachers are taking their classes online and some were already there.
• Change or improve your home environment.  This is my favorite and I know I'm not alone.  I've been getting my garden into shape and have even been painting the inside of my home on the weekends.  It's a great sense of accomplishment and since I'm spending so much time at home I might as well change it up a bit!  In fact, an artist friend of mine said her paintings have been flying "off the wall."  
• Expand your peer network.  Yes, it seems like that would be difficult, but more and more people are befriending others with similar interests online.  No, it's not quite the same as meeting new people in person, but it's actually a great opportunity to expand your network or friend group.
• How about travel adventures?  Normally I might tell you to check a travel destination of your list each year.  If that's not possible, how about visiting a place in your area that you've been meaning to for years.  Try acting like a tourist in your home town.  Another option is to take a road trip, depending on travel risk where you live.

These are just a few ideas.  Variety really does add spice to life and we need to be more creative right now to make it happen!

Please share your ideas for adding novelty and challenge to your life in the comments below!