Page 72 - Tracy Anderson Magazine – Summer 2020

When thinking about self-isolation and social distancing in
THE 5 C’S
Emerging from the metaphoric cocoon, by Jim Kwik.
a positive light, the butterfly came to mind. It’s a powerful
symbol of self-transformation, where the beauty, the
growth, happens while isolating in a cocoon. Right now,
we’re in a metaphoric cocoon. And we have the opportu-
nity to emerge from this experience transformed. Strength
comes through struggle, and to guide our efforts, I’ve come
up with the five C’s to usher us through this change.
1. Clarity
Through self-awareness, we find clarity, which we discover
by questioning ourselves. When we ask questions, we
trigger the reticular activating system in our brain. This
process is how we filter and delete information, honing in
on what’s important. To seek clarity, we need to ask our-
selves focused questions on what’s most important in our
lives and how our actions align with those values. Instead
of feeding our fears and our doubts, we can identify the
thoughts that no longer serve us. The same level of think-
ing that got us where we are isn’t going to get us where we
need to go. Instead, we can use this opportunity of forced
change to spend time in focused self-reflection, unlocking
the clarity we need to move forward instead of back.
2. Care
Self-care isn’t selfish because it comes down to self-love.
When we take care of ourselves, we replenish the well, may have or not have, we all have 86,400 seconds in a day.
ensuring we can take care of others. This means knowing That’s our time, and we can invest it in whatever we want.
our boundaries, ensuring when we say yes to someone or Let’s invest it in ourselves and our creativity.
something, we aren’t saying no to ourselves. It’s also estab-
lishing boundaries on the type and amount of information 5. Capability
we allow into our lives. While knowing what’s happening We shouldn’t downgrade our dreams, or our goals, or use
in the world is important, we also need to make sure we’re circumstances as limitations. Instead, we should upgrade
not getting lost in that fear. If we’re always looking in the
our capabilities, persistence, and discipline. The one skill
dark, we’re going to miss the blessings and the opportuni- we should all strive to master in the 21st century is the
ability to learn how to learn. Once we understand how to
ties to grow in life. When we focus on what we can control,
learn, we can master any skill we wish. In today’s world,
we shine the spotlight on the positives and can harness the
opportunities we have. change is the only constant. Knowing how to learn allows
us to harness that change while we continue upgrading our
3. Contribution skills, our bodies, and our brains.
It’s impossible to feel fear and gratitude at the same time,
making service the antidote to fear. And giving back comes How we emerge from our cocoon will be dependent on
in all shapes and sizes. We can check on our neighbors and the choices we’re making right now. It’s not about what we
offer assistance to those who may need more help during did but who we became. One step completely changes our
this time. Or we can donate supplies to those who need destination. Or our destiny. While there is beauty in the
them most. We also contribute by being cognizant of the butterfly, growth happens in the cocoon. Sometimes we
language we choose when talking to others. By using posi- have to fight through the worst days to earn the best. Diffi-
tive language instead of negative or stigmatizing language, cult times can diminish us. They can define us. Or they can
we create a network of positivity. Servitude—in all forms— develop us. Ultimately, we decide.
connects us, reminding us that we’re in this together, even
if we are apart. Jim Kwik, his real name, is the widely recognized world expert in
memory improvement, brain optimization, and accelerated learning.
4. Create After a childhood brain injury left him learning-challenged, Kwik
The future belongs to the creatives. As jobs move to robots created strategies to dramatically enhance his mental performance. He
and machines, as things become automated, one thing that has since dedicated his life to helping others unleash their true genius
will never be automated is the creative process. We can and brainpower. He is the host of the top education-training podcast
“Kwik Brain” and best-selling author of Limitless - Upgrade Your Brain,
choose to use this incubation time to create in whatever Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life, available at
capacity we are able. No matter what other resources we limitlessbook.com.
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