Okay, I believe we’ve all heard about our inner child. Now, have you heard about your inner teenager? Each has commendable attributes that are worth calling on from time to time. And they both can bail you out in a pinch. Go easy on yourself here… your inner teenager has more on the ball than you may recall!
Your Inner Child and Inner Teenager May Be Unlikely Champions
… which means you might be surprised!
Disclosure: This may sound like one of those deep, deep subjects, but do not worry, my friend—it won’t be that at all. Just some easy lessons to call on when you’re in a certain kind of bind.
I’ll share what inspired this post in a minute. Until then, let’s say I believe it can do us some good in the right moments, to call on certain behaviors we learned (or acted out) when we were much younger.
And they just may save us from embarrassment or outright failure in the now.
Hold that thought for a minute…
Calling on your inner child or teenager can engage an instant mindset shift.
For example, have you ever been in a workshop or at a party where they want you to play some goofy game?
Let me guess… you just weren’t feelin’ it, were you?
That’s because we so-called-grown-ups don’t know how to play anymore. Some of us have even forgotten how to have fun every now and then. And that’s more important than you may realize.
So, back to that goofy game… simply call on your inner kiddo and play along. They know how to have fun and can probably bail you out of this not-so-comfortable situation. And it’s sure a lot better to release that apprehension with some laughter than letting yourself be the requisite putz in the room, isn’t it?
Think about the last time you finished a good long run or workout. Or maybe it was a challenging hike to a nearby summit. Did you celebrate like your inner child would have when they reached some imaginary summit? Why not celebrate by thrusting your arms in to the air in your best victory pose? And while you’re at it, let out the biggest “Woop” or “Woo Hoo!” you ever have.
That’s real celebration!
Now for the inspiration…
I was reading Steven Pressfield’s Writing Wednesdays post today. It was about how to rally our energy and do the work that needs to be done—all on our own, when nobody is there to tell us what to do.
In the discussion that followed, author Sam Luna shared this gem…
I read an interview with a music producer who called [his approach] ‘being 17 in your head again.’ That’s what he has to coach his rock bands to do when they come in to record their 5th or 6th studio album in their thirties or forties (or beyond). ‘I tell them you gotta be 17 in your head again and just kick out the jams, one more time…’”
— Sam Luna
Turns out there may be a use for your inner teenager after all…
So, the next time you’re finding it hard to slog another one out. Whatever your ‘another one’ may be…
It’s time to call on your invincible inner teenager to kick out your jam!
And don’t forget the celebration.
Be untucked.
p.s. Know someone who might benefit from becoming reacquainted with their inner teenager? Maybe share it with them. Of course, they might invite you to one of those parties with goofy games. Go ahead… it’ll be fun.
Copyright © 2021 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved
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