Author
Monika Tempel, Alpha1 Germany eV, as published in Alpha1 Journal 2/2022.
A few gentle nudges to keep you from sinking into permanent lethargy.
For years, one crisis has followed another. Understandably, fatigue and resignation are setting in. If only it weren't for the nagging guilt…
„"Playing off the bank"“
Perhaps, based on the introduction, you're expecting motivational quotes or "Go for it!" chants at this point. Instead, we'll start with a quote from Oscar Wilde: „"One should give in to temptations. Who knows if they will come again!"“
So if the sofa is your greatest temptation, then make yourself comfortable: with your favorite cushion, a soft blanket and a cup of lemongrass tea (or with everything you need for your personal sofa session).
And then do NOTHING for a while – except doze and stare into space.
Only when you really feel like doing an „exercise on the sofa“, please read the following quote (attributed to George Bernard Shaw): „"A person's wisdom is not measured by their experiences, but by their ability to gain experience."“
Why a quote about wisdom? Well – a wise approach to the ongoing crisis and its consequences: that would be a worthwhile goal, wouldn't it?!?
George Bernard Shaw's definition offers an unusual perspective on wisdom. Wisdom is not seen as the result of experience, but as an attitude. It is characterized by openness, readiness, and commitment. Wisdom consists of continually acquiring this attitude and applying it to new experiences.
After this introduction, you should take a few sips of tea – because I'm about to use your newfound wisdom for an invitation: Follow me (from the sofa!) on a trip into creative therapy.
One method of this intriguing treatment approach is "letter writing." Letter writing—that's supposed to be exciting? If you're serious about your newfound "wisdom," then you can certainly give it a try…
Instructions for use: Letter writing
Materials needed:
- Sofa (with favorite cushions and a cozy blanket)
- sufficient (lemongrass) tea
- Paper and pen (only in exceptional cases can a tablet or smartphone be used as a substitute)
- Time, time, time
Procedure:
- Read one quote at a time (once or several times).
- Let the saying sink in for a while.
- Then write a letter to the (alleged) author of the quote: Don't mince words and let your thoughts run free without censorship.
- Let your words have their effect.
A practice example: „Dear Mr. von Goethe!“
To give you an insight into the practical application of the method, I will illustrate it using a quote. "The greatest difficulties lie where we look for them." (Attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
Here is my letter to the poet laureate:
„"Dear Mr. von Goethe!"
Aren't you making it a bit too easy for yourself with your flippant remark? I didn't choose my lack of motivation! It found me and now it won't leave my side. Your comment doesn't seem very helpful to me and sounds suspiciously like "solution-oriented therapy.".
On the other hand, it frees me from the strain of searching. Perhaps even from the search for solutions? That would allow for a fundamentally different perspective on my lack of motivation. Right now, I'm just staring like a deer in headlights when I think about the fatal consequences my lethargy will have in the future: muscle loss, reduced performance, breathing difficulties, increased inactivity, loss of mobility. Not a favorable prognosis!
Your saying, dear Mr. von Goethe, allows for an experiment with "regnosis instead of prognosis." Regnosis refers to looking back at the present from the perspective of the future. Some know the "regnosis" method under the names "future self" or "time travel.".
When making a prediction, I create a future in my mind from my current perspective. It is often shaped by emotionally charged projections, especially anxieties and fears. For example, my bleak prediction includes a loss of mobility if lethargy permanently takes over my life.
But how does regnosis work?
She explicitly does not ask: What will the future be like? Rather, she assumes that the future does not simply happen to me without my being able to change anything about it. My current attitude, my decisions, and my actions shape the future.
Through regnosis, I enter into a productive relationship with my future, in which I have already successfully mastered the current situation.
Of course, I could also fail!
Then my gloomy prediction would come true. But it's not a law of nature that things only have to develop in this negative direction.
I can break free from the lethargy of crisis fatigue and the rabbit-like paralysis of fear. With regnosis, I can adopt a perspective that, from a realistically optimistic future, casts an exploratory glance back at the here and now and the steps to come.
How is this review structured?
- He looks for opportunities for change and action with openness and imagination.
- He creatively and constructively anticipates external events and internal adjustments.
- It creates a positive feeling based on confidence in one's own previously experienced flexibility, adaptability and responsiveness, and the active support of others.
Not bad at all, dear Mr. von Goethe, what your saying has sparked. Now I actually feel like meeting my girlfriend for a walk and telling her about your "poke quote".
So long, Johann Wolfgang – and THANK YOU!
Monika
Now it's your turn: A selection of nudge quotes
„"The basis of a healthy order is a large wastepaper basket." (Attributed to Kurt Tucholsky)
„"Without emotions, one cannot transform darkness into light or apathy into movement." (Attributed to Carl Gustav Jung)
„"I haven't failed 10,000 times. I've just successfully found 10,000 ways that won't work." (Attributed to Thomas Alva Edison)
„"The secret of the extraordinary person is, in most cases, nothing but consistency." (Attributed to Gautama Buddha)
I am sure that you will spontaneously think of a critical, approving, or supplementary letter to the respective author of one or more of these sayings.
Write down all your thoughts and send me your letter. You can find my contact details at the end of the article.
I would like to use the letters (without sender information if desired) as the basis for my keynote address at the Alpha1 Information Day 2023. This could lead to an interesting discussion.
The ultimate finishing nudge
Have you noticed anything? All the quotes so far are attributed to men.
It almost seems as if "the stronger sex" is blessed with special expertise when it comes to "motivation." But appearances can be deceiving, because the most challenging quote on this topic comes from a strong woman:
„"Do one thing every day that scares you." (Attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt)
I look forward to lively feedback and send warm greetings from Regensburg.
Monika Tempel
