Cairns + Contradictions

 

Psych & Such    |    16 My 2021

Anyone that knows me knows how I talk about my dog, Brisket. One description I often use is she is a big dog trapped inside a little dog's body. Cairn Terriers are known for their persistence, stubbornness, and loyalty. Brisket is all of those things...and more. In fact, she is a bit of a contradiction. To illustrate, she will brazenly bark and stand up to any dog, of any size, at any time...only for moments later to be petrified by the sound of a plastic bag flying in the wind. It sounds ridiculous, I know. Because it is.

Are there contradictions in your own life that need examination?

• Are you able to easily advise your friends on complex issues, but have difficulty solving your own problems?
• Are you able to skillfully juggle projects and deadlines at work, but find yourself behind on personal agendas and goals?
• Are you able to apologize for your missteps, but unable to forgive others who have done you wrong?

Uncovering the contradictions in our lives require great amounts of self-awareness and humility. Once self-aware, the next step is to identify what makes you successful in what you are able to do, and apply that same knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes to what you are currently unable, unwilling, and/or unsure of doing.

Back to one of our examples above:

Let's imagine you identify the reasons you are able to skillfully juggle work projects are because of (1) your commitment to prioritizing tasks appropriately and (2) your willingness to ask for help before the work becomes overwhelming.

Now, how can you start to prioritize tasks and proactively seek help in your personal pursuits as well?