Mar 21, 2018
Two examples of people caught in really difficult situations who gamified them in order to survive. What are the commonalities of turning a challenge into a game - the things that make it easier?
One example is distraction. Here is a short extract from the accompanying 5 Minute Willpower Game PDF which you can get at http://www.theshiftinside.com/willpower/
Imagine you are standing in the supermarket aisle, transfixed by junk. There is an intense battle raging in your mind:
Have it.
No, walk away.
I said: Just take it.
No, stop.
I appear at your side.
“If you turn to your left and look down to the tills you
will see a very nice lady holding an envelope. In it are two
tickets to the destination of your choice and as much spending
money as you need. I have also arranged two weeks off work for you.
This dream holiday can be yours if you walk away from the junk
right now.”
Could you walk away from the junk in that situation?
Of course you could. Because the distraction is so powerful.
Now, you don’t need a two-week holiday to lure you away from the
junk every time you get a craving. That was a thought experiment
with one aim…to get you to answer the following question:
When you give in to your junk food cravings, is it (a) because you just cannot fight them i.e. inability to do what they know is the right thing - or is it (b) a choice?
If you chose the holiday over the junk, then your only answer is
(b).
(Compare this to asking someone with a broken leg why they have not
entered a marathon. Their answer is going to be (a) - inability to
run)
Now I know that the choice is not easy. But this distinction - choice over ability - gives you your power back. You can now make different choices. And I am going to help you overcome your very natural feelings of resistance.
RESOURCES
Play the The 5 Minute Willpower Game at http://www.theshiftinside.com/willpower/
Episode 29 on willpower: http://www.theshiftinside.com/audio-better-than-willpower-ec29/
Jane McGonigal's TED talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_the_game_that_can_give_you_10_extra_years_of_life
Touching The Void trailer:
Join the private Eating Coach Discussion Group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1594950873896541/
Find out more about coaching at http://www.theshiftinside.com/coaching/
Ask a question at:
http://www.theshiftinside.com/podcast/
Get your free audiobook at:
http://www.audibletrial.com/
Sound effects by https://www.zapsplat.com