Mindset Tool: Using “Triggers”

Trigger. When I used to hear that word, I’d immediately think negative. Something triggered me –  set me off. Not good. 

But a couple wise peeps have transformed that word into one of the most powerful tools I use in my day to day life to show up as my best self! 

A trigger can be anything – walking through a doorway, picking up a pencil, unlocking your car. A physical thing that reminds you to check in with your mindset. It is a quick reminder of what you are there (wherever it may be) to do!

So here’s the deal – If you have a situation where you consistently find yourself need an attitude or effort check, it’s time to identify a trigger. Maybe this is at work when you walk into the office, or when you walk into the kitchen or gym. Next time you enter that environment notice something you see or do. At work, I scan my badge. Before a workout, I braid my hair. These are things that I do or see every single I time I walk into a similar situation. 

Once you have identified your trigger, it’s time to figure out what exactly you’re trying to trigger. What is it that you’re looking to affect? This can be ANYTHING guys! It can be your focus level, it can be your level of outgoing. It can be awareness of a long time goal. It can be as simple as remembering to say hi to someone special or show some affection. This tool can be used for everything and anything.

For me, the doorway thing works! When i was through the doors of my office, I become a Product Owner. When I walk through the Studio door into the hot yoga studio, I am a guide ready to offer an hour of amazing yoga. And when I walk through my garage door into my home gym, I am a bonafide badass ready to lift some heavy things. Taking a moment as I walk through each door to check-in and notice where I am and what I’m meant to do in that moment sets me up for success throughout the day. 

So – What can you use as a trigger? Start with one and go from there! 

If you’re looking for some more examples of triggers, Rachel Hollis and Brendan Bruchard are amazing resources. I first heard about this strategy in Ben’s book – High Performance Habits. It’s a dense one but SO worth the read. This Rise podcast has some awesome examples of triggers too!

Let me know what triggers you try! These are a game changer you guys!