How to Master Your Mental Gymnastics

We've all been there - stuck in a spiral of overthinking, making excuses, and rationalizing our way out of taking action on something important. This tendency to engage in "mental gymnastics" to avoid difficult thoughts, emotions or tasks is extremely common. But it's also something we can learn to overcome with the right mindset and strategies. What are Mental Gymnastics?
Mental gymnastics refer to the complex mental contortions we put ourselves through to justify procrastination, self-sabotage, or avoiding discomfort. It's when our minds go into overdrive making up excuses, worst-case scenarios, rationalizations, and doubts - doing whatever mental backflips are needed to steer us away from something challenging. Some examples of mental gymnastics include:

• Catastrophizing and blowing potential obstacles out of proportion

• Making up excuse after excuse for why you can't start that project yet

• Constantly shifting your justifications and reasoning to avoid the real issue

• Engaging in harsh self-criticism and putting yourself down

• Overthinking and overanalyzing until you've talked yourself out of it

While mental gymnastics might provide temporary relief from anxiety or discomfort, it ultimately holds you back from growth, achievement, and living according to your values. The good news is, you can learn to interrupt these unproductive thought patterns. Here are some tips to help master your mental gymnastics:

1. Get aware of your tendencies
   The first step is bringing awareness to when you're engaging in mental gymnastics. Notice when your thoughts are spiraling into excuse-making, self-doubt, catastrophizing, or avoidance. Pause and get curious about what's really going on.

2. Question your thoughts
   Once you've identified the mental gymnastics, start questioning those thoughts. Are they based in reality or just worst-case assumptions? Are you having an extreme reaction? Is there another perspective?

3. Reframe and refocus
   After questioning your unproductive thoughts, consciously reframe them in a more constructive way. Remind yourself of your "why" and focus on your goals. Bring your attention back to what really matters.

4. Take action
   The antidote to mental gymnastics is action. Once you've reframed your mindset, take a small step, even if imperfect. Action breeds more action and interrupts the cycle of avoidance.

5. Practice self-compassion
   Be kind to yourself throughout this process. Mental gymnastics are just unproductive habits that can be replaced. Have self-compassion, ditch the harsh self-criticism, and celebrate any progress.

Mastering your mental gymnastics takes consistent practice, but it's a skill that will serve you in all areas of life. With awareness and the right strategies, you can break the cycle of overthinking, avoidance, and self-sabotage. Take back control of your mindset and live with more intention and purpose