I recently came across an article that beautifully illustrates the power and potential of deliberate living. Don't be put off by the title - it sounds gimicky, but there's more to it.
"How to Reverse Aging and Become Whoever You Want to Be" by Benjamin P. Hardy opens by describing an incredible series of studies done from 1978-1981 by psychologist Ellen Langer.
In one of the studies Benjamin describes, the interior of a nursing home was redesigned to reflect the styles and conditions of the year 1959 -- complete with black-and-white TVs, period furniture, and reading materials from the 1950s. The incoming male residents, all over 70 at the time, were instructed to only discuss news and sporting events from that era, to refer to themselves, their families and their careers as if they were in 1959, and to essentially live as if they were their 50-year-old selves. They were treated by staff as if they were fully independent 50-year-olds instead of individuals that needed canes for walking and relied on others to carry their belongings. They were expected to get around on their own and carry their own things -- even if it meant going very slowly or carrying one item at a time.
Benjamin reveals the fascinating and exciting result of the study: in just 5 days, the residents were all noticeably healthier. Their eyesight and hearing had improved. Their memory and appetite and dexterity were better. Those that came into the nursing home with canes and who were dependent on others for help left walking on their own and carrying their own suitcases.
Benjamin states:
"By expecting these men to function independently, and by engaging with them as individuals rather than 'old people,' Langer and her students gave these men 'an opportunity to see themselves differently,' which affected them biologically."
Wow. What incredible power the human mind has. And what an exciting implication for all of us: we can choose who we want to become - what qualities we wish to possess - and then by acting as if it were already true, we make it happen.
Benjamin P. Hardy goes on to outline simple steps for achieving big goals:
1. Determine your goal.
2. Commit to your goal by leaping into situations that require you to live up to your goal.
3. Determine the roles you will need to play in the various situations you create.
4. Act the part until you become the part.
5. Develop relationships with people who have your back and can help you achieve your goals.
6. Repeat -- but at higher levels, with more strenuous leaps.
Some of the questions Benjamin says we need to ask ourselves as we imagine our goals is:
Who do I need to be to achieve this goal?
What 'role' or 'character' will I play?
How do I want to influence those around me?
What will my voice be?
My job as a Co-Active life coach is to help people define their big goals and consider the answers to the above questions. I also support them on their journey to act as if - except that I notice, reflect back and champion who they already ARE. I love witnessing people leaning into being who they are, which fuels them to become the individuals they always dreamed of being.
Photo credit: Power pose by Amy Cuddy at PopTech 2011 by Erik (HASH) Hersman is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Benjamin's article summarizes nicely the WHY of deliberate living: when we design our lives and make conscious choices to live by our design, we empower ourselves, we become more authentic, and we improve our mental and physical health!
Challenge: What big goal do you want to go after but are currently reluctant to pursue? What are some ways you can act as if your goal was already achieved? For example: Who do you need to BE to achieve your goal?