To gain clarity into our Saboteurs, we continue outlining each of the 10 Saboteurs which clutter our brains with negative self-talk and fill us with self-doubt, the inner critic and overall, stymie our productivity, relationships and wellbeing.
The bright light/bottom line is that with guidance and practice, we can mitigate these destructive forces that we all have, inside our brains to improve our quality of life, relationships and overall wellbeing.
The Restless thought pattern is constantly in search of greater excitement in the next activity or constant busyness. Rarely at peace or content with the current activity.
The Restless…
Easily distracted and can become too scattered.
Stays busy, juggling many different tasks and plans.
Seeks excitement and variety, not comfort or safety.
Seeks constant new stimulation.
Thoughts
“This isn’t fulfilling”
“This next thing has got to be more exciting”
“These negative feelings suck”
“I must shift my attention to something exciting. •Why can’t anyone keep up with me”?
Feelings
Impatience with what is happening now.
Wondering what is the next big thing.
Fear of missing out on other more worthwhile experiences.
Worried that focus on any unpleasant feeling will grow and become overwhelming.
Justification Lies
Life is too short.
It must be lived fully.
I don’t want to miss out.
Impact on Self and Others
Underneath the surface of fun and excitement, the Restless is an anxiety-based escape from being present to this moment’s full experience, which might include dealing with unpleasant things.
The Restless avoids a real and lasting focus on the issues and relationships that truly matter.
Others have a difficult time keeping up with the frenzy and chaos brought by the Restless and unable to build anything sustainable around it.
Original Survival Function
The Restless is a strategy to find constant new sources of excitement, pleasure and self-nurturing. This could be associated with early life experiences with inadequate parental nurturing or painful circumstances.
Restless indulgence not only provided substitute self-nurturing, but also an escape from having to deal with anxiety and pain.
The positive intelligence operating system informs us that the Restless is a liar and often engages in self-defeating behavior and thoughts.
Does this sound like you? Do the Restless’ struggles sound like yours? There IS a way to turn down the volume on the Restless’ saboteur voices inside your head. It’s a foundation of our Mental Fitness Bootcamp.
Want to learn more? DM for more info.
NEXT UP: The Stickler …we’ll explore how this Saboteur wreaks havoc in our lives and the lies it tells.