Archimedes famously said that if you gave him a lever long enough, he could move the whole world. And in 250 B.C. he was in fact challenged by the king to prove his claim—and he pulled it off. One man with a system of levers and pulleys was able to relocate an entire ship—the largest transport ship of his time fully outfitted, including crew, from shipyard to sea. He was using the same tools anyone had access to at the time—a few common elements —and his own CREATIVITY.
This is a truth I’ve come to know: we can all do this. If you’re stuck right now, you most likely don’t lack resources. You probably just lack resourcefulness.
THE PROBLEM: Most people are looking for the solutions to their problems “out there,” beyond their current capacity. And as a result, they end up feeling pretty frustrated, yearning. But I’m here to remind you that everything you need already exists inside you. You aren’t incomplete. It’s not a matter of finding, it’s a matter of unlocking.
As such, here are a five tips that inspire “unlocks” in me:
- Find Your Hidden Tools. Have you seen the documentary film “Stutz“? It’s candid conversations with actor Jonah Hill and leading psychiatrist Phil Stutz exploring his unique, visual model of therapy. One of Phil’s core ideas that I really love is we all have the tools inside us to heal ourselves and live optimal lives. We just have to unlock them. If you haven’t seen this movie, I recommend checking it out.
- It’s Either Hell Yeah or… No. This idea from Derek Sivers is a shockingly simple rule for any decision. If that new project, job offer, or even going out or staying in doesn’t give you hell yeah energy, it’s a no.
- Focus on Your Health. Your physical health matters a lot to the way you see the world. Anyone with chronic or lasting pain will know, when you’re hurting it’s hard to do anything well. Recently I had Dr. Kelly Starrett on the show. Go back and listen to that episode if you haven’t heard it yet. Also, his latest book is a must have Built to Move by Kelly and Juliet Starrett. Perhaps the very best, simple, no-nonsense, health book on physical fitness ever written. When I’m injured or my body is aliling, I call Kelly. You should, too. But start with the book for now.
- Get into Now. I love this quote by Eckhart Tolle: “The quality of your consciousness at this moment is what shapes your future.” Want a good future? Shape your consciousness NOW. Pay attention to what you’re paying attention to, and everything can change.
- Flip OFF the Negativity Switch. We constantly need to fight against our own negativity. Elizabeth Gilbert came to the studio a few years ago to best a guest on the show and I’ll never forget she said it was her mindset that was actually her full time job and secondarily was writing. If you need a little deeper reminder look a few episode back to the episode called “How to turn a bad day around“
Lastly, two words I’d like you to carry with you for the next few days… or as long as you can: TRUST YOURSELF.
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