Barrier to Entry
Sometimes we are held back from doing things, having a conversation, or changing things. And that’s okay. But when it comes to doing things that you enjoy, or that are good for us, like starting a mobility or workout program, taking that course, trying a new hobby, you want to be able to jump in to better your life or your health. This hesitancy can come from many reasons, trauma, fears, past experiences, and so much more. And a lot of the time it is our brain getting in the way, our nervous system sending out a flag of caution, and those thoughts of “I don’t have the time”, “I need to focus on other things”, or whatever the interior dialogue is gets in the way.
Recently I have been dying to go paddle boarding. It is an activity that I enjoy, brings me peace and grounding, and generally excites me. I got out on my board a lots last year, and this year has just not been the same. Worse weather, not as much time, too many tasks to-do, not enough energy, I was making up all the excuses, and still complaining to myself and others that I wasn’t getting out enough. I have a blow up paddle board, so it feels like more effort than just getting in the car an going. I was working up this entry barrier in my head and not allowing myself to indulge or go through the motions of just TRYING to get out there. This morning, I had enough time (though I still tried to tell myself I didn’t) and I took my board to the beach, blew it up, and off I went. And it was great. Was it my best paddle? Maybe not, but I got fresh air, a clearer mind, and got to do something for myself. Best of all proved to my brain and body that I could get out on my board and go. I flexed a new muscle if you will, in not only allowing myself to go when the idea took me, but also proved to my logic-based brain that I could make it work, and nothing negative occurred. I still made it home with plenty of time to get ready for work. I still managed to eat, have a little reset, and organize myself before work. This put positive feedback into my nervous system and my brain, starting to break down those barriers to entry. I got to ride the high of getting out on my board, doing something for myself, and I got to reprogram my brain against those barriers. Was it hard? Yes, those first few paddles I was fighting off that anxious energy about doing something new, but I was able to breathe and let my body release that into the open air, and transition to grounding my feet and letting my body and mind absorb the present moment. Bliss.
My above story of the morning is just a small, and fairly miniscule example of breaking down those barrier walls. But the more we start to do this with even the most simple things, the more it can spill over into other aspects of our life. Same can be said with starting a new workout program, or yoga class. Getting there is often the hardest part, and once you do, you complete it and feel better. Then the more you go, the easier it becomes. Finding the little wins, and taking the little steps all add up. Engaging in the barriers, and working beyond them helps us re pattern our brain and nervous system. In a safe capacity we can encourage our brain to help us create new patterns, new routines, and new habits. So next time you get the pull to do something, but have those hesitancies arise, I encourage you to ask yourself if you can overcome those barriers and help build your brain and body a new pattern.