The Lock(s) of Life

"My brain is the key that sets me free.” — Harry Houdini

Houdini had a distinct advantage which helped him focus his brain on ‘breaking free’ to the exclusion of everything else. It was that, he knew each and every time, what kind of locks were used and where they were to be used to lock him up.

We are different. Not because our brain is any less intelligent, empowered or efficient.

We are told, time and again that our thinking and behavior is shaped by a combination of all things past – culture, upbringing, environment, societal norms, education, nationality etc.

Cutting across all that – is the common thread and a very unusual challenge. Our brain is conditioned by all the above factors to look for a key, so we do. Each time we are challenged, stymied or otherwise hindered, we try to overcome by finding the ‘key’ from the deep recesses of our brain to unlock it. This taxes the brain to the extreme – taking an enormous toll on skill, time, mental, physical and even financial resources.

The more random locks one encounters in everyday life, the more the brain is exercised, leaving the person completely drained. “I am exhausted” is a common refrain.

What if, just what if, you can identify the type of locks that you will come across regularly. Will it lead to a better performance, teamwork, work life balance, financial stability and all the SMART goals you have already written down. (Some assumptions here!)

How to find the "Lock(s) of Life?

Now – Identify the 3 Critical Constraints (a.k.a. Locks) which prevent you from accomplishing a simple task (e.g. waking up early or going to bed early).  Ask another person (a team member, friend, spouse or a WhatsApp chat Group member) to do like-wise.

With some experience, each of you will be able to identify many such locks, automatically opening them mentally as they appear. The brain is then conditioned to look for more challenging locks and has ample time to get the correct keys lined up.

Please remember: The Lion’s share of these constraints – fully 80% of the constraints exist within you (or your organization in case of businesses), not outside! Ask yourself the hard questions.

The “Locks”….wil become the “Love” of your Life;  

Like “Houdini” – your brain will set you FREE….

Need help? You know how and where to reach me.

All the best.


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