Real Mind Control: Trying The 21 Day No Complaint Experiment Endorsed by Tim Ferriss
I have wanted to do this challenge for the longest time but I’ve been putting it off for some unknown reason. I knew it would be hard, but there are zero negative side effects from doing this challenge, so I guess I just wanted to protect my right to complain, hence why I was shying away from this challenge.
That’s not the best way to go.
I can at times slip into a very negative mindset and I don’t know how to snap out of it. I’m aware it’s happening, but I just seem to be stuck in a cycle.
And then I read this article by Dr Bradberry:
"When you repeat a behavior, such as complaining, your neurons branch out to each other to ease the flow of information. This makes it much easier to repeat that behavior in the future—so easy, in fact, that you might not even realize you’re doing it."
Basically your brain is trying to help you to make things easier. Thanks brain. But this can also work against you, in the case of a poopie mindset and complaining which basically means over time, you find it’s easier to be negative than to be positive, regardless of what’s happening around you.
That’s completely me. I have shelter, food and love and I still find the small things to complain about, but I’ve been at least aware that something about this isn’t right - and that’s just how my brain has been set.
I’m ready to change that.
Furthermore, research from Stanford University has shown that complaining shrinks the hippocampus—an area of the brain that’s critical to problem solving and intelligent thought. The hippocampus is the primary brain areas destroyed by Alzheimer’s. I'm scared shitless of that because my grandpa had Alzheimer's.
Furthermore, when you complain, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. This means you're stuffing up your immune system and it can cause high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It even makes the brain more vulnerable to strokes. Some of these also run in my family so yaaay. Not.
So the 21 days of no complaining challenge begins now. I don't generally do a video before a challenge, but I thought I'd try something new today. I'd love to get you all involved because I want your life to be awesome!
Here are some extra steps to help you (and me) along your merry way.
Tips to help you tackle the complaining mindset:
Be in an attitude of gratitude - if you feel a complaint is coming on, switch immediately to a state of gratitude. You will find something to be grateful for - even if it's rain and that means it's watering the trees and you can breathe. Joy! An attitude of gratitude will reduce the stress hormone cortisol by 23%
if there is something worthy of complaining about, go into it with a problem solving attitude. Have a clear purpose as to what needs to change. If you notice there really isn’t anything to change, you’re probably complaining for the sake of complaining, if you’re addressing a person - start with a compliment. It’s much more effective to getting your point across. Then also finish with a positive statement. No one wants to feel like shit.
Watch out who you hang around. Humans naturally mimic each other as it's a way we emphathise with each other and build connections. If you have a friend/friends that complain too much. Maybe avoid them this period OR just tell them straight out you can't gossip. The good friends will understand.
Join me in this challenge! If you're on board for a nice little life changing 21 days, tag me in your instastory with your progress (@sorelleamore).
Let's meet back here in 21 days and see what's happened!
Thanks for reading guys as always.
Sorelle Amore