November 12, 2024

Life’s Biggest Flex; Why Forging Through Imperfect Situations Can Make Us Happier

No matter how prepared we try to be, life is chockful of situations that make us feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control. There is no way around it:

Sending a child off to college
Coping with health issues
Preparing for a job interview
Navigating election results
Attending a quirky dance fitness class (wink)

In all my years of teaching, the biggest reason people avoid “out of the box” classes, like Mojo, is because of the fear of what people might think of them.

My instructor, @dancerjohn, Block 21 Fitness

I can certainly relate. Last week, I attended a couple of Block21Fitness dance fitness classes in Denver, where I was easily 20 years older than the oldest person in the studio. I was a little anxious going in but I had the benefit of knowing that everyone feels initially awkward in these classes. I also knew I’d feel better afterward, and I had nothing to lose.

Sure enough, I was glad I went! While the music was a different vibe than what I am used to and many of the moves were awkward for me, I learned new moves, enjoyed a heart-pumping, awesome workout, and had FUN. Most importantly, I felt liberated for putting myself out there.

“Control” is defined as the power to run something in an orderly way. For struggling perfectionists like me, learning how to LET GO and keep moving forward despite our perceived imperfections is not easy. One of our most comforting prayers deals with this emotion:

Learning when and how to let go, despite perceived imperfections, is one of the most liberating “flexes” (aka. beneficial trait) we can bring to our lives. It’s like releasing a heavy burden and being able to breathe freely. It’s also a surefire way to add more color, dimension, success, and happiness to our lives.

As a therapeutic reminder for anyone who fears dipping their sneaker out of their comfort zone, here are some reasons why challenging experiences (aka HIIT dance fitness workouts) can be a boon for our brain and for our lives overall:

1. Building Cognitive Flexibility: When things don’t go according to plan, our brains are forced to shift gears. We have to think on our feet, analyze new information, and adapt our strategies. This constant mental workout strengthens our cognitive flexibility, making us better at switching between tasks, thinking creatively, and finding solutions to unforeseen problems.

2. Boosting Emotional Regulation: Dealing with unexpected setbacks inevitably triggers emotions like frustration and disappointment. But by navigating these emotions, we learn to regulate them more effectively. We develop coping mechanisms, practice self-soothing techniques, and build resilience in the face of emotional challenges. This improved emotional regulation equips us to handle future stressful situations with greater calm and composure.

3. Strengthening Neural Pathways: Every new experience, positive or negative, creates new neural pathways in our brains. By dealing with mistakes and unexpected events, we forge new connections and strengthen existing ones. This expanded neural network improves our overall brain function, making us more adept at learning, problem-solving, and adapting to change.

4. Encouraging Growth Mindset: When we embrace the inevitability of mistakes and unforeseen events, we cultivate a growth mindset. We see challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for learning and improvement. This optimistic outlook fosters a sense of perseverance and allows us to bounce back from setbacks stronger and more resourceful.

5. Building Grit and Determination: Overcoming unexpected hurdles builds grit and determination. We learn to push through difficulties, find workarounds, and never give up on our goals. This strengthened resolve serves us well in all aspects of life, making us more likely to persevere and achieve our objectives even in the face of adversity.