Many of you guys know what the Snowball Effect is. For those who do not, it explains that small actions accumulate, resulting in change. Often, massive change.
You may observe this principle daily - in yourself and others.
Something small, but bad, happens early in the morning. This can be the catalyst to us "having one of those days".
A small negative escalates into a bigger one. Soon enough we have a chaotic catastrophe on our hands. At least that is what it feels like.
Conversely, positive actions can also snowball, leading to exponential growth and positive outcomes. They start small. Begin to build. Gain speed. The rest is history.
But, there are exceptions to every rule - and this is no different. Let me explain.
For instance, think of a negative circumstance, event, or emotion you have had recently.
Envision how that can begin to snowball out of control. You're running late. Then, you spill your coffee on your clothes. Then, you hit every red light. Then, then, then. What started small has now gained speed and derailed your day - mentally and emotionally. But, you are in control so what if you could derail that negative snowball? Good news. You can.
As your snowball of emotions and circumstances gains speed and chaos, you can put a tree or a rock in its way to break it up. Let's call it a "roadblock". A roadblock in this case would be a positive thought, action, or practice. For instance, you're sitting at the final red light before you get to work. Place a roadblock in your mind.
Examples of roadblocks:
- Turn on your favorite, uplifting song to shift your energy.
- Create a saying you can say to yourself that snaps you out of a negative state.
- Smile as big and obnoxious as you can. You will begin to laugh at yourself - Good!
- Immediately show gratitude for every single negative thing that happened this morning. The spilled coffee, the red lights, everything put you exactly where you needed to be, in this moment.
- Act as if you're a bird or a satellite flying high in the sky. Look down on where you are sitting in your car. Look how small you are. Observe the hustle and bustle in the streets. Life is messy but it is a beautiful thing. Embrace it.
Note - these roadblocks are positive. Practice consciously placing them to shift your physical, mental, and emotional state.
Our lives are a series of snowball effects - situations, thoughts, and emotions - big and small. Some of them form on their own. Others, we create. But all are ours to manage. The trick is placing the roadblocks in the correct places so the snowballs don't get out of control.
If not, these negative "snowballs" can get out of control. Here are some examples:
- Excessive drinking and eating.
- Being quick to anger and loose with your tongue.
- Blaming others for your shortcomings and circumstances.
These must be manipulated, regulated, or eradicated. If not, they will destroy you, your relationships, and your capacity for growth.
Conversely, below are some examples of positive "snowballs:
- Following a workout and nutrition program.
- Reading 10 pages every day and taking notes.
- Going for a walk every time you feel like scrolling on social media.
These must be done with consistency, discipline, and a purpose-driven mindset. If not, they will fizzle out and you will fall to the level of your systems.
In general, the more roadblocks you consciously place in negative situations, the better. The more positive actions you take towards personal excellence and self-mastery, the better.
Chaos and catastrophe are inevitable. It is how we respond to it that matters. So, try to take care of your snowballs :)
Get after it,
Odisi
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