The CRUNCH
The CRUNCH
I taught college classes for quite a while. And college students are the best: they're so optimistic and idealistic. And out of that optimism, I noticed a trend.
First, they begin a new semester.
Second, they get even more excited about this new semester because it's going to be the best thing ever.
But! Third, about a month into the semester, the first round of tests are due and they swear that their professors are trying to kill them….to single them out and squish them. To get them to wash out.
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It was a phenomenon I called "the CRUNCH."
I think with any life change, the crunch will be waiting for you. These are decisions, big and small.
Happy feelings!
Then happier feelings!!!!
Then crash feelings (sad)
Then sustained feelings
With every big decision, there usually comes the excitement of choosing, the excitement of the new, but then the crash of real life.
A new city.
A new relationship.
A new baby.
A new car.
A new pet.
There are little and big crunches, but the CRUNCH is there.
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But what can you do about it?
1. Acknowledge that there is a crunch.
2. Get through the first dip of the crunch
3. Know that the dip won't last forever
4. Find your "why" as you move through the crunch
5. Don't make decisions at the high of the peak nor at the low of the crunch.
Know that your feelings will probably stabilize, and you'll have a clearer head about the transition tomorrow morning or maybe in a month.
Your "why" helps you get past the crunch. You can find your why and clarify why you started.
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The formula:
A bigger why=more stamina for the CRUNCH
If I asked you to run 20 miles today, you would ask "Why?". Seth Godin talks about running a race and decide under what circumstances you will quit. But decide beforehand. What are the no-go circumstances? Face the CRUNCH head-on and ride the unhappy feelings until you see it stabilize. The CRUNCH won't last forever.
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Sources:
Patrick Lencioni. "Navigating the Neutral Zone." https://www.tablegroup.com/81-navigating-the-neutral-zone/
Seth Godin, The Dip. Decide before the race the conditions that will cause you to stop and drop out. You don't want to be out there saying, "Well gee, my leg hurts, I'm a little dehydrated, I'm sleepy, I'm tired, and it's cold and windy." And talk yourself into quitting. If you are making a decision based on how you feel at that moment, you will probably make the wrong decision."
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