I don’t know about you, but it seems that just when I get things moving in the right direction, the Lizard comes along and tries to derail my efforts.
I am talking about my Lizard Brain, that primitive part of my noggin that wants to stifle and destroy anything that threatens it and my survival.
Responsible for basic functions like breathing and heartbeat, (arguably things I want working all the time at optimal levels, thank you very much!), this little part of our mind is also responsible for sending us in directions we say we do not want to go, but end up going anyway.
You could basically say that, because I am an Entrepreneur, the Lizard attacks me multiple times a day, tempting me with all kinds of worthless yet seductive activities. ANYTHING to keep me from risking!
It may seem counter-intuitive for the Lizard to want to destroy that which can make my life better, but the truth is, because there are no guarantees that what I am doing WILL make my life better, the Lizard doesn’t like anything I do that has even the slightest scent of risk emanating from it.
This pesky Lizard also has a way of distracting me with activities that I know are not productive or helpful to achieving my goals, yet I do them anyway.
My biggest Lizard Brain activity is shopping. Going to Nordstrom or Macy’s and looking at all the pretty shoes and clothes and jewelry soothes my tattered soul and feeds the greedy Lizard…at least for a few hours. And it also allows me to avoid that which I need to do most to move forward.
Things like call people, work on my blog, syndicate content, connect with more people, work on my book.
For some people I know, the Lizard seduces them with video games, or television shows, or mindless Internet surfing, or going out…
Indeed, there are countless ways the Lizard will work hard to sabotage our efforts.
While it is so important to take breaks from our work now and then to refresh and recharge ourselves, it is just as important to be aware of the Lizard waiting for us, smiling malevolently, as we move away from our efforts, even for just 15 minutes. Distractions abound, as do excuses for why we need to attend to…the laundry, or putting the dishes in the dishwasher, or playing just one game of online Solitaire…
When we are most tired, flat-out exhausted, the Lizard is at his best. Don’t give in to his wily ways! Fight the Lizard with all you can! But if you slip up, as we all do from time to time, recognize what you did for what it was and get back on track as quickly and smoothly as possible. The Lizard hates this, and will retreat if you prove to it you aren’t going to fall for its tricks.
Do you have ways you fight your Lizard Brain? Please share them here so all readers can benefit! And as always, retweet and share this post if you believe people in your circle can relate to battling against the Lizard!
Forward We Go!
Hey Mary,
I love your post, I have never heard of Brain Lizards before, I always thought it was just me getting in the way of stuff I needed to do.
I have recently started to concentrating on 3 things a day to get done. I find this works 3 things are easy to achieve as opposed to having a never ending to do list.
I think a lot of beating lizards comes down to self discipline, focus and a plan.
Failing all that you could threaten the lizard with the idea of having lizard and fries for tea!!
Hehe,
Great to connect with you,
Beth 🙂
Thanks for your great post! It is so true that there are so many distractions in life and it is vital to be aware of them. Focus on what is most important in life!
Mary Lou,
Love your analogy! Yes, the lizard brain gets me too. My biggest is distractions of absorbing all the information out there and not moving forward with my tasks. Time to move and take action!
Thanks for the reminder,
Val 😉
Fighting the lizard is futile. Far better to make friends with it and earn its trust – and become more comfortable trusting you taking risks.
Hi Mary Lou,
A very potent topic for all.
This is the mix of paradigms and ego of the fake self popping up to check how much we are being our true selves.
I used to give in to it, but then I realized that the best way to be my true self is to accept the behavior of the lizard brain and release it. Let it go without fighting or denying that it plays its charades.
And then I realized that this is how the universal laws of nature work – by being consciously aware of what appears to be, accepting it and peacefully releasing it. It works perfectly.
Anyone can do it. Just acknowledge it and let go.
Infinite love and gratitude,
Venus 🙂
i never tire learning about discipline. definitely this is where i need the most growth. but the seductive macy’s shoe section… ahhhhhhh, mary lou it’s like you were taking directly to me! i COMPLETELY understand this guilty pleasure. i’ve learned to use my macy’s trips as the “carrot”, or my reward after a great work week or big event.
great share, thanks 😉
The Shoe-Soul connection runs deep, doesn’t it, Melissa? Especially when showcased under all those pretty lights…our Lizard Brains at their finest among boots and stilettos! 🙂
Releasing the Lizard Brain is indeed what we should do…thank you for sharing your insights about this, Venus! I always appreciate you!
Hi Oren, Thanks for sharing your perspective! I hadn’t thought about it this way. Makes sense to find peace with it and accept its presence.
Taking action is the one thing the Lizard Brain HATES (unless it benefits him), and is the BEST thing we can do for ourselves! I applaud your commitment to doing just that!
Glad you stopped by, Amber! Keep focused on what matters most to YOU!
Hi Beth, Your 3-things a day approach sounds doable and effective! I like that approach. That way, when you get to the end of the day, you can celebrate those 3 accomplishments no matter what else happens! Thanks for sharing your strategies with me!
Great post..i have finally seen the light! My lizard brain’s been eating up all my time….the fella hasn’t yet come to terms with all the vast resources the rest of my marvelous brain possesses to remain focused and concentrated and to act and operate without or in the face of fear..
Great analogy…thanks for the post!!
Johneal
You are so welcome, Johneal! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me! 🙂