There are many ways to live life. Some people choose to follow the inspired approach rather the intimidated approach when managing certain events.
Different people do this in different situations. They choose to have a positive frame of mind rather than feeling paralysed. They see the opportunities in the situation rather than just the obstacles.
Tom Hiddleston, the actor, described this when urging his favourite football team to give their best in a match. He gave his view that the norepinephrine chemical being released in the brain can create both excitement and nervousness in situations.
Tom described how actors harness this excitement and he encouraged the players to embrace it in a positive way. They could use the feeling to be inspired rather than intimidated. Let’s explore these two approaches.
The Inspired Approach
Some people follow this approach after having a positive experience. They may feel inspired to act after reading a book, listening to music, being moved by beauty or doing something that gives them positive energy.
Some people take this approach when focusing on a future event. They may be aiming to help other people, compete in a sport, perform on stage, pitch for a piece of business or work to achieve a stimulating goal.
Such individuals may then choose: a) to build on their strengths and set a positive goal; b) to follow their chosen principles; c) to do their best to achieve their picture of success.
Some people actually choose to follow the inspired approach when responding to a challenge. They may do this when aiming to recover from a setback, help people who are in distress or manage a crisis.
Some individuals follow this approach after hearing about potentially depressing news in the world. They may also follow it when responding to people who try to intimidate them. Let’s explore this theme.
The Intimidated Approach
Some people channel their energy in a positive way in potentially intimidating challenges. They may do this when facing different kinds of situations.
Sometimes the potentially intimidating experience may simply be in their own head. They may be concerned about what could go wrong or are worried about being judged in a situation.
Such individuals may enjoy being in control. Bearing this in mind, a person may therefore aim: a) to build on what they can control in the situation; b) to find ways to manage their emotions about the things they can’t control.
Sometimes the intimidation stems from the behaviour of other people. Many authoritarians, for example, try to exert power over others through bullying, scapegoating or using other methods to control people.
Some individuals choose to bypass any attempts at bullying by taking control. They channel their feelings – such as caring, concern or anger – into doing things that aim to inspire themselves or other people.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of the inspired approach? This could be when aiming to encourage yourself or other people.
What may be the specific situation? How can you then follow the inspired approach in your own way? What may happen as a result of taking these steps?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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