Disobey

Rebel against inner rules

Abstract art

Steps

  1. Pick any action that you can do right now.
  2. Set a timer for 30 seconds.
  3. Start doing the action, while telling yourself in your head that you can't do it. For example, wiggle your toes while thinking “I mustn’t wiggle my toes”, “I shouldn’t wiggle my toes”, “I can’t wiggle my toes”.
  4. Reflect on the experience. How powerful were your thoughts? Does it seem funny that sometimes you obey these inner commands?

Bonus

Do it again, this time with something you're actively avoiding, for example, cleaning or making a phone call.