I like acronyms. They are very useful when you are learning something and when you are teaching concepts. Acronyms can help you memorize material in a specific order. They can increase your motivation to learn because they make things so much easier! Imagine a hallway with doors that lead to rooms of information. An acronym is the key that helps you unlock the doors.
An acronym can be a common word that we hear every day like STOP or a nonsense word like ROYGBIV. How many of us remember ROYGBIV from childhood? Every Good Boy Deserves Favor and FACE for the notes of the treble clef? ADDRESSING and RESPECTFUL for my fellow psychotherapists out there? Side note: an acronym is a type of mnemonic device but I’ll stop with the semantics!
Acronyms create a groove into our memory so that we can recall important information later. The more we rehearse, review, and use the acronym, the deeper the groove.
I’ll be sharing and breaking down acronyms from time to time in this blog and the first one is something I created called LEAP.
LEAP stands for Learn, Experiment, Apply, and Persist
Learn about new ways to improve your wellbeing
There are so many resources that discuss physical health, mental health, financial security, spiritual growth, etc. Excellent information can be found at your local library, in magazines, and on news programs. Take a look around and talk to neighbors. Maybe there are new workout studios or gyms opening up in your town. Some health insurance plans offer incentives for losing weight and they may even cover gym memberships. Get curious and check out what’s accessible to you. Perhaps you have workout equipment or heavy jars that can double as weights. Pick up some healthier foods at the grocery store or farmers market. Maybe your place of worship is offering Zumba classes. Keep your eyes and ears open for these gems.
Experiment with activities or behaviors that promote a healthier lifestyle
See what works and what doesn’t work for you and your situation. This step takes some trial and error. It’s a chance to be more open and vulnerable while being true to yourself and your goals. Experimentation allows you to ask the questions: 1) What technique works best for me? 2) How much work am I willing to put into changing and growing? This is also a learning experience as you figure out how to move on when something doesn’t work. You learn how to pick up the pieces after something fails or goes against your expectations. You won’t know unless you try.
Experimentation can lead to amazing results. Take healthy cooking, for example. Maybe you would like to learn how to make salads taste more interesting or find an easier way to eat salads without spending lots of money or sacrificing nutrition. In the experimentation phase you allow yourself to be open to different ingredients and consider techniques like meal prepping to save time. Over time, the results include having more energy, better physical health, and feeling less stressed because you have a new healthy regimen in place.
Apply yourself in what you are doing to really get the benefits of your new activity
Be mindful about what you are doing. Flex those mindfulness muscles!
- Observe and pay attention to your senses. What results am I seeing? What new sounds am I hearing that I never allowed myself to notice or experience before? How does my mind feel? How does my body feel? How does my soul feel?
- Try to put words to these observations as that will create more meaning for you. You can do that by journaling, talking to a friend, a mentor, a pet, or house plant. It doesn’t matter what your method of labeling is. The act of labeling and describing your experience is the aim.
- Really participate in the activity or behavior that is making your life better. If you say you are going to do something, do it. Go with the flow of what is in the present moment.
Persist with what works
Doing what works effectively can lead to new results and new avenues. Let’s say you picked up a new activity like going to the gym on Saturday mornings. But while you’re away, your partner is drained because they are stuck taking care of 100 tasks at home by themselves while you are working out. This arrangement will not work in the long run as the imbalance in responsibilities can create relationship stress. Consider going to the gym when your partner would not be home alone so you both can put your attention and energy towards the tasks that need to be done on the weekends.
Persistence can help with self-esteem as you begin to master the new activity or behavior that you introduced into your life. Yoga is a great example of ways that persistence pays off. After multiple classes you may notice changes in energy levels, flexibility, strength, or even concentration and awareness. Or let’s say you start drawing as a way to express yourself and the more you draw, the more you actually become skillful and take your creativity to new levels. Maybe you create art that you can sell or that someone admires and is willing to buy. That’s a bonus!
Take home message
LEAPing leads to growth, a boost in your self-esteem, and even new opportunities you may not have considered before. Have some faith in the process, take the steps, and when you get stuck, problem solve or ask for help. Learn, Experiment, Apply, and Persist!
What are some LEAPs that led to your success? You may inspire someone by sharing a challenge and how you overcame it. Thanks for reading!
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