You Can Be the Hammer, or You Can Be the Nail

In most circumstances in life, you’re either the hammer or the nail. The goal is to attack each day with the mindset of the hammer: anything that comes your way, you’re ready for; you can handle anything and will take any situation and learn how to grow from it.

But sometimes you’re the nail…it just is what it is. Sometimes you feel like you’re the nail over and over again, getting beaten down by life and the circumstances around you.  We’ve all been here and we’ve all felt this way.

There are tools you can use when battling these feelings and they can really help. The next time you’re feeling like “the nail” try these methods to get out of that headspace:

1. ) BREATHE
The Box Breathing Protocol has been proved to drastically decrease stress and help provide some mental clarity. The nice part is, it’s really easy and fast.  Here’s what you need to do:

- Take a 4 second inhale through your nose
- Hold inhale for 4 seconds
- Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds
- Hold empty breath for 4 seconds

That’s it!  Go through this breathing series as many times as you need to feel better, more calm, or able to tackle your stressors.

2.) WRITE
Write a list of actions that can help create change. Own the situation you are in and write down a couple things that you can take immediate action on.  How can you start to solve this problem?

3.) MOVE
Clear your head out and move. Go for a walk or get a workout in…anything, as long as you’re moving. You will feel better and gain some clarity on your situation.

4.) TALK
Talk to someone who will listen. This could be your spouse, friend, therapist, dog…anyone. Sometimes you just need to talk through a situation and get some feedback.

We’ve all felt the like nail before, but you don’t have to live there. Being the hammer is both a mindset and taking action.  So…go be the hammer.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you become your healthiest, happiest self: sign up for a free Intro Session with a Coach!