Hello everyone, today I wanted to briefly touch on the skill Opposite Action. I think a lot of us know what it is, simply because it can appear rather self explanatory, but in reality it’s not so easy.

For me, opposite action is easier to do when things have more meaning or if they have a consequence associated with them.

Example: writing, going to therapy

On the other hand, opposite action is almost impossible for things I find trivial or very uncomfortable.

Example: chores, relationships

I bring this up because I have recently found myself with more time on my hands, but not doing much during that time. I could equate this to just being lazy, since there is plenty for me to do. However, I don’t think I’d be giving myself enough credit/slack by doing so.

I will say that a possible solution for this issue is opposite action. I don’t think I have been pushing myself enough to engage and just do activities. Like my therapist once said, “it’s about doing something even when you don’t feel like doing it”.

If I worked on one of my writing projects, I would be building mastery. If I figured out my travel plans for the next day, I would be coping ahead. And, in the end, doing these activities would also keep me distracted.

So, this week I have decided to finish my knitting project. When I knit is up to me, but by setting that deadline I add more meaning to the activity. With added meaning, I’m more likely to knit even when I’m not in the best frame of mind.

Daily Challenge: Is there an area of your life where you could be using more opposite action? If so, what is holding you back? How are you going to use opposite action the next time a similar situation arises?

Advertisements