Stop Playing Life On Hard Mode (My 6 Favorite Cheat Codes)

Summary

• I've learned to practice thought diffusion which means detaching from my thoughts, rather than getting caught up in them. This helped me change my eating habits and stick to my goals instead of eating every time I felt the impulse to do so.
• Facing business challenges taught me not to overcompensate by feeding negative thoughts until they snowball into a crisis. I visualize detrimental thoughts as fish that I can harpoon and dismiss from my mind, so I don't act on them.
• Language impacts how we feel about our emotions. Saying "I'm starting to notice that it causes a feeling of anxiety within me" is more empowering than saying "I'm feeling super anxious."
• I believe distinguishing between psychological rigidity and psychological flexibility is crucial. Flexibility allows for experiencing negative emotions while staying goal-oriented, whereas rigidity leads to avoidance and a narrowed life.
• I've embraced a technique from Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to view my brain as a separate entity, which I sometimes playfully call "Georgia." This creates space from my thoughts and allows me to proceed with my day unaffected.
• Acceptance is a powerful attitude. When I faced an anxiety attack, learning to accept the discomfort instead of fleeing it ultimately helped the anxiety diminish.
• Being in the present moment offers peace. Walking and mindfulness help me observe my surroundings and thoughts without being consumed by them.
• Values are the standards that guide our actions. By admiring qualities in others and acknowledging my current values, I choose a set of core values that direct my decision-making process.
• Committed action involves taking steps in alignment with values and goals, despite fear and discomfort. It means building beneficial habits and replacing counterproductive ones.
• Transformation can be challenging and isn't always linear, but it's about progress, not perfection. Change comes with practicing the actions you learn, and it's important to take those first steps immediately.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest practicing thought diffusion by putting yourself in situations where you face your impulses but choose to stick to your goals. For example, if you’re invited for a meal that doesn't fit your goals, go anyway and enjoy the company without eating the foods that don't align with your plans.

A good way of handling negative thoughts in tough business times is to imagine them as fish. When a negative thought appears, visualize catching and removing it from your mind pond. This way, you focus on productive actions instead of getting swallowed by worry.

To manage anxiety, change how you talk about your emotions. Instead of saying "I'm super anxious," say "I notice I’m starting to feel anxious." This small change in language is empowering and helps you keep control.

Remember, flexibility in your thinking is better than being rigid. When you face negative emotions, let yourself feel them but stay focused on your goals. It’s okay to have negative thoughts as long as you don’t let them stop you.

Think of your brain as a separate person, like how I call mine "Georgia". It helps create a space between you and your thoughts and continue your day without being pulled down.

Practice acceptance when discomfort comes. If you feel anxious, accept the feeling rather than running from it. This can actually help the feeling pass more quickly.

Being present is calming. Try walking and being mindful of your surroundings without getting caught up in your thoughts. Notice them, but don't let them take over.

Identify your values by admiring traits in others and recognizing your own strengths. Remember, having a few clear values is better than a long list you can’t remember.

To commit to action, build new habits into your routine. For instance, put vitamins next to your toothbrush or chew gum instead of having a snack. Little changes can lead to big progress.

Remember that transformation isn’t always straightforward. It’s about progress, not perfection. Don't wait for a perfect time to make changes—start now, even if it's with small steps, and build momentum in the right direction.

Quotes

"You're not equal to your thoughts, you can never be a thought, you can never be an emotion; they are outside of you"

– Leila Hormozi

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"The best thing you can ask is: Will taking action on this thought make my life better or worse tomorrow?"

– Leila Hormozi

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"If you can rewrite your story… it gives you enough space to realize that you can take action despite having [anxious thoughts]"

– Leila Hormozi

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"Every time that you avoid something… you're… teaching your brain that you should continue avoiding this thing because it's dangerous"

– Leila Hormozi

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"The reality is… you can change your entire life today. The only reason you are not is because you're subscribing to these thoughts and emotions that aren't even real"

– Leila Hormozi