Are you undergoing a major life change? Or merely trying to manage the daily barrage of things hurtling your way? In either case, you might feel you spend most of your time maneuvering through an endless stream of new challenges.
If so, take a lesson from the popular video game Tetris. If you're not familiar with Tetris, the game is played with different-shaped blocks which fall in random order from the top of the playing screen. Your goal is to rotate the blocks "mid-air" so that, upon landing at the bottom, they fit together to form solid rows which then disappear. You earn points for each row you successfully remove. The game ends when non-fitting blocks stack up all the way to the top of the screen.
So, what does this simple game have to do with managing life changes? Believe it or not, there are many similarities.
1. Create space for randomness. Perhaps the most obvious correlation is that Tetris blocks fall randomly and continuously, much like life. In the game, the best way to handle this is to have enough time and space to decide how you want to place the next falling block. In life, leave yourself some extra time and space as well. Don't overschedule or overextend yourself, particularly during a big change. Give yourself enough buffer room to handle whatever comes along.
2. Pay attention. The key to Tetris is to pay attention to several things at once: spaces, block shapes and orientation, number of incomplete rows. In life change, it's important not only to be aware of new external circumstances, but also to shifts occurring inside of you. A successful life change includes a personal transition as you learn to identify with your new situation.
3. Rotate your perspective. The key strategy in Tetris is to rotate each block so it fits perfectly in an available space upon landing. In life, we do best when we remain flexible and view our situation from different perspectives. Ask yourself what someone you admire would do in your situation. Force-fitting answers based on old ideas or patterns can leave us stuck and frustrated.
4. Don't let debris build up. Tetris blocks pile up quickly when you don't remove old rows; it gets harder to rotate and fit new blocks as the pile grows. This same thing happens in life when we let old baggage build up. When making big changes, ask yourself "What's no longer working for me? What can I let go of?"
5. Plan for the hard stuff. Some Tetris blocks are inherently easier to fit than others, so it's best to leave spaces that match those blocks. In life, some unexpected changes (car trouble, company dropping in) are much easier to deal with than others (job layoff, major illness). It doesn't hurt to have a contingency plan for the big stuff. Not only will you be more prepared if the time comes, but the process of planning for big changes gives you more confidence in handling the smaller stuff.
6. Look ahead. Tetris has a setting that allows you to briefly preview the next block to come. While we don't have a "preview" setting in life, we do have a powerful alternative: our imagination. Use your creativity to play with different scenarios, and experiment with new, innovative solutions during your change.
7. Change strategies. In Tetris, you can adopt different strategies for removing rows: trying to eliminate one row at a time, or working several rows at once. It makes sense during a big change to be open to different strategies as well. Sometimes quick, decisive action is the key. Other times, being still and listening to your intuition uncovers the best solutions.
8. Use a soft focus. To get good at Tetris, you learn how to relax and get into a "zone," softly focusing on the whole field, not just individual blocks. This soft, relaxed focus works well in life, too. Zeroing in on individual setbacks can be taxing. Instead, step back and see your situation from a wider perspective, one dramatic chapter in the book that is your life. Ask yourself "How am I different because of this? How does this help me be a better person?"
9. Advance to new levels. About the time you get into a good rhythm, Tetris bumps you to a new level where blocks (and points) accumulate faster. Too, it seems like just when you've got the hang of your new life situation, something else challenges you. Know that this just means that you're ready for that challenge, with new opportunities for greater growth and insight.
10. Reset. Once all the Tetris bricks hit the top, the game starts over. If you find yourself "hitting the ceiling" in dealing with major life change, take time to reset. Stop, take a breather, engage in self-care. Do something nurturing and fun for yourself. This is not slacking! The inner transition that goes with change takes time and energy. For us to thrive during life changes, we need to go out of our way to be good to ourselves.
So let the blocks fall where they may, using these strategies to help you thrive during life changes, large and small. And if you forget how, go play a game of Tetris.
sue brundege, a certified coach, helps adult children of aging parents maintain a healthy life balance and achieve their personal goals. For practical information, visit sue brundege and subscribe to my free newsletter.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..This week's wisdom is on the power of living in... Read More
Why do we have such a downer on Pollyanna? After... Read More
Just in an average day we can experience many things... Read More
Striving to improve our self esteem is on everybody's mind.... Read More
Music is very powerful. The kind of music you listen... Read More
Looking for a bit more mindfulness in your daily life?... Read More
Maureen worked in an office with twenty other people, processing... Read More
Failure is my favorite subject. For I have spent my... Read More
I thought this was fitting sense I just experienced a... Read More
A more positive future, a happier life, a body that's... Read More
Some people are full of confidence and able to meet... Read More
There is an old joke about a man who is... Read More
HOW YOUR OUTLOOK INFLUENCES HEALTH AND ABILITY TO CONTROL ANGERJane... Read More
Every time something doesn't go quite right (rather frequently for... Read More
In frustration it's easy to jump to false conclusions that... Read More
I am an educator as well as a coach and... Read More
In view of the increasing negative events happening around the... Read More
That strange, gut-wrenching feeling you have is not the sushi... Read More
Lately, I've been hearing that it's not okay to have... Read More
Problems, disappointments and trouble; the three skunks that sometimes think... Read More
"If I have the belief that I can do it,... Read More
WhenWhen we have feelings for someone or something, we have... Read More
Cheri decided that she wanted to grow an apple tree... Read More
Your response (reaction?) to change is conditioned by your entire... Read More
Do you realize that what we believe about ourselves, affects... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..When I teach private Yoga sessions, sometimes, I become aware... Read More
Some people are full of confidence and able to meet... Read More
Often, I've come across individuals who, while in conversation, will... Read More
If we are the products of our attitudes then it... Read More
Sometimes we are in a position to look into the... Read More
Can you do something for me?Tell me?Please don't think tomorrow.What?Yeah,... Read More
1. Smile2. Laugh3. Greet people courteously4. Be enthusiastic5. Dream. Engage... Read More
Look for the positives!Seek them out - those little scary... Read More
Music penetrates our mental barriers and influences the deepest areas... Read More
"Work on your career and you'll make a living. Work... Read More
Today, I wanted to mention this notion of self-sabotage.I recently... Read More
P.M.A - so what is it? Some people will automatically... Read More
No one likes rejection. And yet it happens. Here's how... Read More
Words, Ignorance, and Casper The Friendly Ghost!Do your best to... Read More
Many people find it extremely difficult to be assertive, whether... Read More
Do you really believe that there is anything in this... Read More
I will never forget an evening in 2003, when I... Read More
Once upon a time, I was a vibrant, youthful teenager...My... Read More
Drinking damages the soul; being lustful damages the vitality; greed... Read More
When you feel lost and confused, it is easy to... Read More
Your response (reaction?) to change is conditioned by your entire... Read More
One thing that is important to realize about thought: one... Read More
You know, very often, the manner in which a person... Read More
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.... Read More
In my years as a psychologist, I have come to... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |