Get Unstuck in One Minute

I rolled my eyes the first time someone suggested I make a gratitude list. Meditation seemed like a waste of productive time, and yoga? That was for hippies. It took me a while to realize that I was responding out of ignorance—rejecting things I’d never sincerely tried.

Nothing keeps me more locked into ignorance than stubbornness. Every time I shut down an idea without truly considering it, I miss out.

Being stuck in a certain way of thinking means I lose the flexibility I need to try something new. When I automatically dismiss new ideas by repeating ‘that won’t work’ to every suggestion, it’s a sign. It’s a red flag telling me I’m in a bad headspace, and I need to center myself before making decisions or rejecting suggestions.

Centering might sound like a mystical concept, but it’s really about taking a moment to regulate my emotions. It’s as simple as pausing for a minute to meditate and quiet my mind so I’m not trying to find clarity in the midst of mental chaos. Maybe I’ll journal, to release the whirlwind of thoughts and organize them on paper. Sometimes, all it takes is getting up, moving around, and releasing some energy to feel more grounded.

Changing behavior and mindset can be uncomfortable, which is why it’s so easy to reject it outright. But that’s where the OMAT philosophy comes in. I’ll give it a minute. I’ll see what happens.

ACTION: Notice when your first instinct is to reject something new. Pause, and consider trying it for just a minute—whether it’s journaling, meditating, or something else. Give yourself the space to explore and see what might shift.

POST

Actively Generate Motivation

This morning, I woke up needing a bit of a boost. I spent about half an hour listening to motivational speakers—lecturers, storytellers, even the occasional yeller—and watched some videos. It’s one of...

Coping with Setbacks

I used to hate the saying “two steps forward, one step back.” It always seemed unfair that after putting in all the effort to move ahead, I’d suddenly be dragged back again—like some...

How to Help When Someone’s Upset

I’ve heard it many times: when someone is upset, don’t offer solutions. Ironically, that idea seems to upset people. If someone I know is struggling and I can clearly see the solution, why wouldn’t I...

Stay Productive Through Intense Emotions

Today, I might not feel motivated to do my job. I might feel bored by the mundane tasks ahead or uninspired by the effort it takes to move through the day. I might not feel like working. But over the...

Be The Change

When I want to start a new habit, I think about it as becoming a slightly different version of myself—still me, but with something fresh. A new habit means change and growth, which also means stepping...

Why Feelings Matter

How are you? How are you doing? What are you feeling? These questions are everywhere, but they’ve mostly turned into polite greetings. We often respond with a quick, “Fine,” “Can’t complain,” or “Not...