In this episode, Brad, author of Master of Change, discusses his new book and its ties to Growth Equation principles. They delve into topics such as embracing change, developing a new model called allostasis, exploring identity and self-complexity, balancing multiple areas of focus, cyclical time and diversifying goals, the process of writing a book, and the power of routine and primary reporting.
Embracing change and surrendering to it can lead to reduced stress and ease in navigating challenges.
Simplifying other aspects of our lives can provide us with resources to face complexities and chaos more effectively.
Finding the balance between taking agency and surrendering is crucial in navigating change and assessing the need for control or surrender in different situations.
Deep dives
The Importance of Surrendering to Change
Change is a natural part of life, and surrendering to it is crucial. When we resist change, we often create more stress and struggle. By accepting and embracing change, we can navigate the challenges with more ease.
The Power of Voluntary Simplicity
In times of complexity and chaos, simplifying other areas of our lives can provide us with additional resources to face the challenges. By consciously choosing to simplify and declutter our lives, we can create space and energy to deal with the changes.
Balancing Control and Surrender
Finding the balance between taking agency and surrendering is an ongoing practice. It's important to assess whether we need to exert more control or surrender more in a given situation. By being aware of our default tendencies and respecting both ends of the control-surrender spectrum, we can navigate change more effectively.
Avoiding Overcontrol in Change Processes
Overcontrolling change processes can hinder progress and create unnecessary stress. In situations like recovery from exercise, it's important to let go and trust the natural adaptation process. Instead of obsessively measuring and controlling every aspect, embracing a sense of ease and allowing the body to recover naturally can lead to better outcomes.
The Importance of Surrendering to Change
The podcast episode discusses the significance of surrendering to change and letting go of the need to control every aspect of the process. The host shares a personal experience of trying to fix their baby's sleep patterns, only to realize that surrendering to the situation and accepting it as it is brought about a sense of ease and reduced stress. The lesson is that sometimes it is better to let go and allow the natural course of change to unfold, rather than constantly striving to control and manipulate outcomes.
The Role of Time and Patience in Change
The episode explores the notion that time plays a crucial role in the process of change. Drawing from research on post-traumatic growth, it is revealed that there is a three-month period, after significant negative changes, where individuals commonly experience negative emotions like depression, anxiety, and apathy. However, it is at this point that the trajectory begins to shift towards growth and making meaning out of the experience. The lesson is that trying to force positivity or meaning too soon can be counterproductive, and it is important to give oneself time to heal and allow growth to happen naturally.
Today marks the release of Brad’s new book Master of Change. Join Clay Skipper for a special deep dive into the book; how it ties into Growth Equation principles, personal changes within Brad’s own life, and an in-depth timeline of Brad’s writing process.
