In our journey towards better health and well-being, we often encounter mental roadblocks that can feel insurmountable. At Fresh Tri, we call these obstacles “Failure Diseases” – cognitive distortions that can significantly impact our ability to make lasting changes in our lives. By understanding these common pitfalls and learning how to overcome them using the Iterative Mindset Method™, we can transform our approach to health and happiness.
The Iterative Mindset Method™ and the Role of the Habenula
Before we dive into the 8 Common Failure Diseases, let’s briefly explore the foundation of our approach at Fresh Tri. The Iterative Mindset Method is rooted in neuroscience and focuses on the practice of iteration – trying, tweaking, and trying again. This method works with your brain’s natural processes, particularly involving a small but mighty structure called the habenula.
The habenula acts as a motivation kill switch in our brains. When we perceive failure, this tiny almond-shaped structure can inhibit dopamine production, making us less likely to try again. However, we can work around this natural tendency by adopting an iterative mindset and keep moving forward on our wellness journey.
Now, let’s explore the 8 Common Failure Diseases and how the Iterative Mindset Method can help us overcome them:
1. All-or-Nothing Thinking
Also known as “black-and-white thinking” or “polarized thinking,” this disease manifests as an extreme view of our health goals. We either succeed perfectly or fail miserably, with no middle ground.
Iterative Solution: Embrace the concept of progress, not perfection. Each attempt is a valuable learning experience, not a pass-or-fail test. Recognize that reality often exists between extremes.
2. Overgeneralization
This disease involves reaching a broad conclusion based on a single event or piece of evidence. For example, you might have one unhealthy meal and conclude, “I’ll never be able to eat healthily.”
Iterative Solution: Focus on your personal journey. Your iterations are unique to you, and what works for someone else may not work for you – and that’s okay! Remember that one event doesn’t define your entire journey.
3. Catastrophizing
This disease leads us always to expect the worst possible outcome, often asking “what if” questions that spiral into unlikely disaster scenarios.
Iterative Solution: Reframe “failure” as feedback. In the Iterative Mindset Method, there is no failure – only opportunities to learn and adjust. Practice considering alternative, less catastrophic outcomes.
4. Mental Filtering
With this disease, we tend to dwell on the negatives while filtering out all the positives of a situation.
Iterative Solution: Celebrate small wins and focus on the process. Each iteration is a step forward, regardless of immediate visible results. Make a conscious effort to acknowledge the positive aspects of your journey.
5. Discounting the Positive
Similar to mental filtering, this disease involves dismissing positive experiences as flukes or accidents rather than acknowledging personal achievements.
Iterative Solution: Practice self-compassion and recognition. Treat yourself as you would a friend, with kindness and understanding, as you navigate your wellness journey. Acknowledge your role in positive outcomes.
6. Jumping to Conclusions
This disease involves making negative interpretations without solid evidence. It can manifest as mind-reading (assuming you know what others are thinking) or fortune-telling (predicting things will turn out badly).
Iterative Solution: Start small and gather evidence. Choose one habit to focus on and iterate from there. Before concluding, consider asking questions and investigating to ensure you have as many facts as possible.
7. Emotional Reasoning
This disease leads us to believe that because we feel something, it must be true. For example, “I feel like a failure, so I must be a failure.”
Iterative Solution: Set flexible intentions rather than rigid goals. This allows for adaptation and reduces the risk of triggering the habenula’s demotivating effects. Remember that feelings are not facts.
8. Labeling
This disease involves making global statements about ourselves or others based on specific behaviors. For instance, eating one unhealthy meal and labeling yourself as a “failure” at healthy eating.
Iterative Solution: Recognize that everyone faces challenges. Share your experiences with others and draw strength from community support. Focus on labeling behaviors rather than people, including yourself.
Overcoming Failure Diseases with the Iterative Mindset Method
The beauty of the Iterative Mindset Method is that it provides a framework for addressing these common Failure Diseases. Here’s how you can apply this method to overcome these challenges:
- Assessment: Regularly tune in to your feelings and experiences. Which of these Failure Diseases do you find yourself battling most often?
- Iteration: Once you’ve identified a Failure Disease that’s holding you back, try a small change in your approach. For example, if you’re struggling with All-or-Nothing Thinking, you might iterate by setting a more flexible goal for the week.
- Practice: Consistently apply your new approach, remembering that habit formation takes time. Be patient with yourself as you practice your iterations.
The Role of the Fresh Tri App
To support you in overcoming these Failure Diseases, the Fresh Tri app provides tools and resources aligned with the Iterative Mindset Method. Here’s how the app can help:
- Daily Check-ins: Assess your progress and identify areas for iteration.
- Mindset Training: Access expert-led sessions to strengthen your iterative mindset.
- Community Support: Connect with others on similar journeys, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Personalized Recommendations: Receive suggestions for habits to try, tailored to your needs and preferences.
Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate these Failure Diseases overnight. Instead, we aim to build resilience and develop strategies to work through them using iteration. As you practice the Iterative Mindset Method, you’ll likely find that these diseases have less power over your wellness journey.
Overcoming Failure Diseases
By recognizing these 8 Common Failure Diseases and applying the Iterative Mindset Method, we can transform our approach to health and well-being. Instead of getting caught in cycles of perceived failure and demotivation, we can harness the power of iteration to make sustainable changes.
The journey to better health isn’t about perfection or rapid transformation. It’s about consistent, compassionate practice and a willingness to learn and adjust along the way. By working with our brain’s natural processes, including the influential habenula, we can create lasting change without falling into the traps set by these common Failure Diseases.
Each day is a chance to assess, iterate, and practice. With the Iterative Mindset Method and the support of tools like the Fresh Tri app, you have the power to overcome these Failure Diseases and create the healthy, happy life you desire.
