What Exactly Is Chasing You?

In the 1986 sci-fi movie, Aliens, there is a scene is where the main character, Ripley, drives a rover haphazardly to escape aliens (terrifying, acid-for-blood creatures) while speeding out of the compound. She is pushing so hard on the throttle to get out of there, she crashes into walls and even drives over an alien. Finally, one of her crew physically eases Ripley’s hand off the gear because she has broken it, and they are no longer moving, just grinding metal. Her strength, determination and fear are so perfectly depicted in that scene.

So many of us are just like Ripley. Despite all the chaos around us, we march forward and push hard constantly. We condition ourselves and feed ourselves on the notion that we are indefatigable, handling countless emergencies single-handedly. We pride ourselves on how tough we are and how much (stress) we can handle.

If it is beginning to feel like the world (or a specific project) is against you, but you are determined to drive forward no matter what, it may be time to reassess. Like Ripley, we may be grinding gears, but not making any real progress.

Most of us equate backing off with being lazy, instead of recognizing that periodic bouts of rest can work hand in hand with true innovation. Life isn’t meant to take every ounce of energy away from us, constantly. That’s the reason we need to sleep. It’s beneficial to give ourselves some mental distance from highly intensive projects, and ask ourselves:

In the movie of my life, what is chasing me?
Where am I pushing too hard to ensure something happens?
And why am I doing that (to myself)?

Just like Ripley, part of what may be driving you is fear. Gratefully, clarity and fear don’t live in the same time zone. To have clarity, you must release some of the fear (of failure). Take a break from the fight or flight response. Giving yourself an afternoon off can help offset the fear and augment the clarity.

If you still need reason to chill out that you can live with, here’s one to consider: it makes you more creative. Most epiphanies pop into our minds when we are not even thinking about the subject, but rather focused on unrelated activities like taking a shower or driving.

The reason we call it an epiphany is because it comes from nowhere and everywhere. It’s the sum of unrelated items in your mind, that came together in an unlikely way to create a unique idea. But epiphanies need a little empty space. If your head is always buried in the countless supply of issues, complaints, and emails, there is no space for them or any other spontaneous creative solution to your problems.

One of the simplest methods I have read about recently is covered in Brené Brown’s book, Braving the Wilderness, where she talks about giving herself permission to relax. Literally. She writes herself a permission slip to “have fun,” or “not think about x today.” It’s a creative way of writing an intention that is etched first on paper, and subsequently our minds. Just like we sign off on a permission slip to authorize our children to go on field trip, we need to authorize ourselves to relax.

When a situation starts to frustrate you, pull back. Don’t be Ripley. There are no aliens chasing you (or dinosaurs for that matter). Let go, release, and write yourself a permission slip to allow yourself a little fun, a break, an afternoon off.

And because the first day of summer (June 21^st) is around the corner, allow yourself the joy of summer. Get the aliens off your back by reading enjoyable books, laughing with your family and friends, and exploring the world to recharge your mind. You’ll be surprised how much of a rejuvenation such activities can offer.