The Default Dilemma | Transformation | Better Mornings

1.??The Default Dilemma

"The default reaction of the brain is to do nothing because it saves energy." – Tim Ash

A great reminder from Tim Ash , an expert in evolutionary psychology and marketing, during his appearance on the Wired For Success Podcast this month:

In a marketing context, paying attention to how you set up your default option can significantly impact your bottom line. How can you make doing the right thing (the action you'd like your customers to take) the easiest thing for them??

However, the importance of paying attention to the "default setting" extends beyond marketing; it applies to all aspects of life, such as health and relationships:

What will happen if you continue doing what you're doing right now? Where will your current habits lead you in 2, 5, or 10 years?

This question always reminds me of Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that an object at rest will remain stationary, and an object in motion will continue moving with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.

This fundamental principle of classical mechanics draws intriguing parallels to the nature of habits that shape our behavior.

The similarities become apparent when you think of habits as behavioral "motion" patterns that possess their own unique inertia.

When we aren't in the habit of doing something, it takes minimal effort to maintain that status quo, similar to an unmoving object.

However, once a habit becomes ingrained, it gains momentum and persists, much like an object in motion.

The longevity and influence of habits can be astonishing, as I'm sure you've experienced firsthand. The longer a habit is established, the more deeply it becomes intertwined with our daily routines, making it resistant to change. Just as a speeding train resists deviation from its path, well-established habits can be challenging to alter.

Habits serve as our personal "default setting," helping the brain conserve energy and free up mental bandwidth.

Just as you want to be intentional about constructing the right default option on your website, it's essential to be intentional about your personal habits too.

2. Transformation

Do you remember a moment in your life that truly transformed you? The moment that brought about such a profound shift in your perspective that it changed your life for good? Can you recall what that moment was like?

I'm willing to bet it was more than just acquiring new information. I'm certain you remember it vividly, as if it were etched into your very being. It was a visceral experience that anchored the information in your body, causing you to "feel it in your bones" or "know it in your heart of hearts."

Transformation occurs when information and experience converge, aligning both the mind and the body around a shared truth.

But let's face it, there are a lot of times when your mind and body seem to be at odds, lacking alignment altogether, right?

You try to motivate yourself, but the feeling just isn't there.

You genuinely want to build your company, but fear of failure holds you back.

You desire to improve your relationship, but a sense of disconnection persists.

This misalignment is the opposite of transformation, and it keeps you stuck because you find yourself working against your brain and body, rather than in harmony with them. It's like swimming against a strong current instead of going with the flow.

That’s why finding alignment plays such a vital role in my coaching. Imagine what you could achieve if you removed those roadblocks that stop you from experiencing flow. How quickly do you think you could achieve your goals?

The key lies in unlocking the potential of both your mind and body, harnessing their collective power to move forward in unison. That's where true transformation and success reside.

3.??Better Mornings

What’s the first thing you do after waking up each morning? Are you checking your phone, reading emails, or scrolling through your social media feeds?

You probably don’t need me to tell you that that’s not an ideal start to the day, right? So in case you’re looking for a better way to start your day, here are 5 good reasons to start incorporating early morning sunlight exposure into your daily routine:

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1. Did you know that harnessing the power of sunlight can have a profound impact on our mitochondrial health, the powerhouses of our cells? Research shows that sunlight exposure triggers a process called photobiomodulation, which enhances mitochondrial activity and efficiency. Think of it as charging up your cellular batteries! By soaking in those morning rays, we can optimize our cellular energy production, leading to increased vitality and resilience throughout the day.

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2. Sunlight exposure also promotes the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. By improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, nitric oxide supports optimal brain function, sharpens focus, and enhances cognitive performance. It's a win-win for both our minds and our bodies!

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3. Exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate our internal body clock, optimizing our sleep-wake cycle. This synchronization leads to improved quality of sleep, which is crucial for high-performing entrepreneurs like us. A well-rested mind is a creative and productive mind!

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4. Your body needs sunlight exposure to make vitamin D from cholesterol - that's why Vitamin D is also called “the sunshine vitamin”. Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. With just 15 minutes of sunlight, you can supercharge your vitamin D levels, promoting a positive mindset and reducing the risk of seasonal affective disorder.

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5. In addition, exposure to natural light enhances our serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that boosts mood and happiness. Imagine starting your day with a natural mood enhancer that sets the tone for success and fulfillment. It's a game-changer, my friends!

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As for best practices:

1. Try to get sunlight exposure within the first hour of waking, ideally, but certainly in the first three hours of your day.

2. On a clear day, aim for about five minutes of sunlight exposure to your eyes. On a cloudy day, aim for about 10 minutes, and on a heavily overcast or rainy day, aim for as much as 20 or 30 minutes.

3. If you're experiencing chronic pain, a 20 to 30-minute protocol of UVB exposure, two or three times per week, can help manage your pain.

4. Avoid trying to get sunlight exposure through a windshield, sunglasses, or a window. It's not as effective and won't trigger the relevant mechanisms.

5. If you live in a place where getting sufficient sunlight is challenging, consider using sunlight simulators or daylight simulators.

6. Viewing sunlight around the time of sunset can help protect against the negative effects of light later in the day. To reap those benefits, aim to get outside for a few minutes, anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes in the afternoon.

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Have fun experimenting!

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That’s it for July - stay tuned for more exciting updates and valuable insights next month. And of course, if you're looking for a high-performance coach for yourself or your team, feel free to reach out & book a call.

Until next time,

Claudia

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PS: Subscribe to the Wired For Success Podcast for weekly episodes about science, self-development & entrepreneurship that keep you inspired & motivated, and help you get to that next level of success in your life and business. And if you join my inner circle, you get access to extra subscriber-only episodes.

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