Up, up, and away!. You Can Do Anything In Your Underwear
Article by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead; follow him on twitter.
I have a secret.
But I’m not sure if I should tell you.
I mean, it pretty much lets me do whatever I want. I can overcome towering odds. I can keep going when all I feel like doing is throwing in the towel. I can defeat the most terrifying of fears.
I bet it could do the same for you… if only you knew what it was.
Actually… it’s kind of embarrassing. It’s about my underwear.
When I wear red underwear, I can do anything.
Seems a little silly, doesn’t it? I mean, what’s so special about red underwear? (No, I’m not talking about the lacy risque kind, just regular briefs. Promise.)
I honestly don’t know what it is. Something about them just makes me feel almighty. It’s like nothing can get in my way and nothing can stop my superhuman powers.
So, what does this have to do with you? Why should you keep reading for any reason other than the lure of underwear?
Because there’s a little thing called NLP going on here, or — big word coming — neuro-linguistic programming. (For more info on NLP check out Tim’s blog here). It’s basically taking an object, a symbol, a gesture, or a movement and turning it into a trigger. It’s programming yourself to react or feel a certain way when an event is triggered. It’s part power of suggestion, part power of intention. And it works.
Although I didn’t intend to do this with my red underpants, it’s still the same thing happening. An event, the wearing of my superhuman briefs, causes an emotional response in my mind and body. In this case, the feeling of being unstoppable.
You’ve probably felt this way before with a lucky hat or a piece of jewelry that means a lot to you. Or it could be something like a batter hitting the ground 3 times before he goes to swing. Whatever it is, there’s some serious awesomeness going on there.
The key is to take that unintentional programming and apply it intentionally. Instead of letting things trigger emotional responses within you on accident, it makes more sense to do it on purpose, right?
Leo says that effectively changing your habits requires a trigger to help you remember to take action. In the same way, you can use triggers in your routine to help you create certain emotional states. Ideally, the key is to be able to set off triggers anywhere, so you’re not dependent on something else (like listening to a song, or watching a scene from a movie). Although those can be secondary options, too.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- If you want to help yourself get in a creative state, you can setup an environmental trigger. Maybe that means sitting in a certain chair (putting on your thinking cap, as it were). Or it could be triggered by a change in your breathing (slower or more rapid breathing).
- To get excited about exercise, you might setup a trigger by moving a certain way or doing a visualization. You could make your trigger swinging your arms back and forth and visualize yourself in front of mirror with your ideal body. Use something that gets you pumped up. MMA fighters and boxers do this all the time by slapping their chests or face. Not recommended, but you get the idea.
- In order to put yourself in a state of confidence, you could create triggers in your posture. Sitting straight and stretching my arms above my head always makes me feel more confident.
- To trigger yourself into a state of focus, you can touch your eyes or massage your temples.
- Putting your hand on your heart is a great idea for cultivating an open mind and preparing yourself to really listen to someone.
These are just a few ideas; you can make up your own triggers. They can also be environmental, like engineering the attentional feng shui of your room. Take a look at your space and see what kind of triggers it sets off in you. Are they reinforcing your passions and your goals?
What this really comes down to is unleashing your inner superhero alter ego. Maybe you can’t keep going, but your superhero alter ego can.
Maybe you can’t write those 5 pages of your book you committed to, after you worked 9 hours, made dinner, and put the kids to bed. But your superhero alter ego can. Use the power of NLP to setup triggers to unleash your inner awesomeness.
Just try it. You never know… maybe your underwear is magical, too.
PS: Can you afford to let another year slip away without following your dreams? My upcoming ebook, Reclaim Your Dreams - A Step By Step Guide to Making Your Dreams a Reality, will be launching on January 13th to help you on your path. For exclusive tips on fast-tracking making your dreams a reality and a special, exclusive discount on my book for Zen Habits readers go here to get on the list.
This article was written by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead of Illuminated Mind. To learn more about how to reclaim your life, grab a subscription to Illuminated MInd
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- Spewed into the world on 4 January 2009 in Habits, Happiness |
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Brilliant comments (59)
Nathalie Lussier Says:
January 4th, 2009, 9:27 am
I love NLP and I also love red underwear! I usually win at Mahjong when I wear them. ;)
Kidding aside, the idea of using these triggers to get yourself to do things you always wanted to do are great!
tigerbee Says:
January 4th, 2009, 9:32 am
My trigger is Bruce Lee. It may be silly…but I have pictures of Bruce Lee up at work and home to remind me to tough it out and get in shape. I was given a Bruce Lee action figure for Christmas and now I’m even more motivated to go on my morning runs! Thanks for reminding me of my trigger!
Chris (from Lifestyle Project) Says:
January 4th, 2009, 10:04 am
Interesting article Jonathan. Although NLP has bee around for a long time, a lot of people haven’t heard of it - but that doesn’t stop the concepts being understood.
The ‘conditioning’ approach of triggers is a good way to form habits, so effective in fact that you probably already have a number of good habits that you just take for granted because you do them automatically.
We must also learn to recognise the triggers that occur sub-conciously, like ones that make us think negatively, or make us believe that we have to follow lifes ‘great plan’ just because society thinks that way (certainly something I’m sure your book will approach).
Exido Says:
January 4th, 2009, 10:05 am
Never thought of it in that way. This a great article looking forward to the book!. I think music is a good triger.
Leap Pro Says:
January 4th, 2009, 10:07 am
Very true. That explaines why some people love a certain item or action.
J.D. Meier Says:
January 4th, 2009, 10:12 am
I can relate.
I have a hat that helps me kick arse and take names. When I put it on, I mean business.
I like how NLP is about debugging the programs in your brain and swapping them out for more effective ones. Aside from Brilliant NLP, I think Unlimited Power is the best introduction.
Jen Taylor Says:
January 4th, 2009, 10:20 am
I was just saying to my husband that the only thing holding me back from being the best high school teacher ever (in the middle of my second year) is my confidence. I needed some way to jump-start my confidence and this article inspired so many great triggers to get and keep me going! Thank you.
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet Says:
January 4th, 2009, 10:30 am
Hi
It’s incredible how our whole body and mind is connected - yet so often we aren’t aware of it.
I studied kinesiology (an alternative mind and body therapy, not to be confused with the study of movement) and one of the main principles that we worked with was the body and its connection to the mind.
Everything we do and everything that happens to us is not only recorded in our memories in our minds, but also in our body. If we are in a certain position when we have an accident, going into that posture again will bring up the stress around the accident even if we aren’t aware of it! Even if we don’t consciously start thinking about the accident. That is, in effect, a negative “programming” which needs to be difused. As opposed to the positive programming that you describe.
Thank you for sharing this.
Juliet
Derek Says:
January 4th, 2009, 10:56 am
@Johnathan Mead While I have never looked at it from this perspective (Environment Trigger), I realize I have been doing this for quite some time.
Before I write, I always read a few pages of a book to get me in the reading/writing mood. If I don’t read the few pages, my writing tends to be much worse.
Success is about cultivating great habits and if you need to prepare yourself with an environmental trigger… all the better. One more way to develop a great habit is one more way for you to become successful.
Reese Says:
January 4th, 2009, 11:00 am
I recently read a piece in a magazine that said people in Mediterranean countries wear red underwear for good luck! I bought a pair.
rhinestonegypsy Says:
January 4th, 2009, 11:04 am
Found you on Barbara Winter’s twitter list….what a great post! And, the best way to start out this dreary Sunday morning here in Wisconsin (cold, icy, gray). I am still laughing…….
Ioan Says:
January 4th, 2009, 11:07 am
Hello Jonathan,
to continue into the same open spirit. :) I am curious what did you wear when you wrote the article? :)
BTW, I use to listen anchor the feeling when I got the contracts signed for my ex. employer. I used that when I needed to have an open discussion with anyone because that (trigger) made me even more confident, relaxed, powerful, etc, etc…
Good luck with your new book,
Ioan
Roger Hyttinen Says:
January 4th, 2009, 11:07 am
I had a good chuckle reading about red underwear. I have a pair of red long-johns that I love to wear in the winter that I affectionately call my long ones. Don’t wear them when I write though (hmm…perhaps I should). I do use the trigger idea though - I have one location where I do all my work. When I set down my cup of coffee on the cupholder, pull out my chair and turn off my phone, it signals to my mind that this is serious business now and it is time to get to work. It automatically puts me in creative mode.
Marelisa Says:
January 4th, 2009, 11:19 am
Hi Jonathan: I took the Silva Method many years ago, which teaches you to go into deep relaxation while remaining wide awake. A trigger they use is to put your index finger, middle finger and thumb together when you want to relax on the spot without going into deep relaxation. Using triggers to help you get into the frame of mind you need at any particular moment is very effective.
Dianne Smith Says:
January 4th, 2009, 12:11 pm
Great concept… I’ll have to pull out my red underwear!
Enduring Wanderlust Says:
January 4th, 2009, 12:12 pm
According to research, diners are most apt to eat food with red on their plate and women are mor likely to get a second date and have the man pay if they wear red.
Bulls are more likely to attack you too :)
~Gennaro
Scout's Honor Says:
January 4th, 2009, 12:14 pm
My “trigger,” my super power article of sorts are a bitchin’ pair of stillettos. What woman doesn’t feel all powerful in 5 inch heels? At 5′8″already, it given a psychological advantage of being almost eye to eye to most men. I tower over women. Believe you me, people treat you differently when you loom above them.
But what do you do when your superpower triger hurts like a mother facker?!
I can only hang two hours tops when it do a complete reverse and limp around with a whipped attitude.
I know. I know.
Should have stuck to the red underwear. My husband would like it ALMOST as much. Heh.
~Scout’s Honor
http://unitedstatesofmotherhood.com
Mark | Life Empowerment Says:
January 4th, 2009, 12:20 pm
Hope a leopard print one will do just as well! ;)
Cheers~
Mark
Brett Legree Says:
January 4th, 2009, 12:31 pm
I wear a scarf for the same reason. My wife thinks it makes me look dorky, though ;) but there’s nothing I can’t do when I’m wearing the scarf.
Maybe it’s a Snoopy vs. Red Baron thing…
Gilmar Says:
January 4th, 2009, 13:01 pm
Hi there…
Greta post indeed. I’d never paid attention to this color element about underwear. I must think about it more carefully - lol. I do feel more “powerful” wearing brandnew underwear - can’t explain that. What triggers me I guess is music - what I call good quality music and this can be seen in my blog (gilteacherbrazil.blogspot.com). What is funny about it is the fact that many of my “inspirational” songs are considered sad, depressing by many of my friends. For me they work completely different. Yeah…it’s all about being ourselves.
dr aletta Says:
January 4th, 2009, 13:17 pm
Women are so lucky. We intuitively know everything and have been using NLPs to empower us ever since we let the guys hunt while we stayed in a nice warm cave. Among my favorites: 1) makeup, 2) red nail polish, 3) high heeled pumps 4) and, yes, not just red, but lacy, underwear.
Rowell Dionicio Says:
January 4th, 2009, 14:04 pm
Learning about the triggers is very new to me. I’ll have to be aware of what I’m doing to maintain focus. I think having nothing but silence is what gets me in the mood.
Well written article. Look forward to the ebook release.
Michelle Minch Says:
January 4th, 2009, 14:23 pm
Jonathan: I had to laugh when I read this post. I have light blue “power panties”. I wear them when I have a big presentation, when meeting a new client, or when I just feel like I need some added “umph” to get something difficult done. I didn’t think anyone else did this, but it is comforting to know that someone else has granted their underpants superhero costume stauts. I learned about NLP when I was studying to be a Feng Shui consultant (power of intention), but never applied it to my underpants. Thanks for pointing out the connection and reinvigorating my interest in NLP.
MizFit Says:
January 4th, 2009, 14:26 pm
I adore this.
for me it is my bandanna.
I have different ones for different (finger quote) occasions (unFQ).
funfunky when I am about to workout and more staid (if that isnt an oxymoron) when I am working on dayjobstuff and *flamboyant* when I am writing from my creative brain.
works so well for me.
Success Professor - Danny Gamache Says:
January 4th, 2009, 14:57 pm
Jonathan,
Great post. For me, the key is wearing shoes. Even when working at home I need to put on a pair of running shoes. I do this in the summer, the winter, all the time. I put on runners and I’m ready to go.
Ruth Says:
January 4th, 2009, 15:07 pm
Thank you for a thought provoking post. I did my daily post about it (on my brand-spanking new blog.) Most of what I had to say is:
I have mixed feelings about NLP. On the one hand, we are all conditioned (on my best days, I am perhaps a notch above Pavlov’s dog). So, doesn’t it make sense to make our conditioning work for us rather than against us?
On the other hand, isn’t this just a gigantic cop-out for avoiding becoming more conscious in the first place?
Really, I go back and forth about this. I know that my negative self-talk doesn’t get me anywhere. And yes, a lot of this negative “sound-track” is probably playing subconsciously. But, isn’t it possible to become aware of it? I’m not talking about the slow, laborious, and limited approach of psychotherapy, or “dredging up” the past. I mean, is it not possible to hear these negative tapes, etc., while they are playing? And, rather than reprogramming them, look into them? And in the meantime, becoming more & more conscious, until we are so aware of our programming that it no longer runs our lives?
I would appreciate visits to my blog if you would like to comment about my POV: http://ruthtryingtruth.blogspot.com.
Thanks!
PS. I get e-mails from Zen Habits, and really appreciate the variety or the posts, and the usefulness of many of the posts as well.
Amphritrite Says:
January 4th, 2009, 15:19 pm
Lol, I feel the same way about my magenta panties. Pull them out the drawer in the dark of the morning, pull them on, and walk into the bathroom. Flip on the light.
*Angels sing* …Pink panties. Today is going to be an AWESOMETASTIC day.
Jonathan Mead Says:
January 4th, 2009, 15:27 pm
@tigerbee: That sounds like an awesome trigger. Bruce is one of my heroes as well.
@Reese: Maybe I was Mediterranean in a past life. =)
@loan: What you’re thinking, yes. It’s true.
@Enduring Wanderlust: I guess that’s when you draw the line.
@Brett: It’s okay man, you’re not alone.
@Michelle: Power panties… I never quite described it like that in my mind. I’ll let you keep that one. I’ll work on an aliteration for briefs. =)
Julie Acda (Fitness Wife) Says:
January 4th, 2009, 15:36 pm
Great post! I also like to trigger myself to get out of bed with energy and start the day off right by waking up to an energizing song instead of a buzzer or subjecting myself to whatever song the radio station decides to play. (I have an alarm clock with a CD player.) An inspiring poster in my office helps me to tackle the day with passion, and a ring on my thumb reminds me to live my life in a certain way.
I think the key is to be very cognizant of the emotions everything in your environment triggers. If it triggers negative emotions, it’s probably time to chuck it!
MCM Says:
January 4th, 2009, 15:47 pm
Always when I feel nervous or angry, I put my fingers on my neck to feel my pulse.
It is my trigger, which helps me to get calm again.
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now Says:
January 4th, 2009, 15:59 pm
That’s awesome. I never thought to wear red underwear to put myself in a positive state of mind. I know what I’m buying at my Target outing later this afternoon.
Creating a trigger is a great way to focus and accomplish great work. Before I go to bed I’m going to make a little list of triggers that can help me stay on track.
Sarahtalia Says:
January 4th, 2009, 16:04 pm
Just remember not to wash those new undies with your whites! ;)
Emma Says:
January 4th, 2009, 17:00 pm
Good lord, imagine what you would achieve if you switched to yellow!
I do use you exercise and focus examples, but have never rally put two and two together and connected them. Great post.
Shirley Says:
January 4th, 2009, 17:03 pm
Haha. I need to find my trigger! I can’t think of any item, article of clothing, or piece of furniture that makes me feel like I can do anything…
Sandy Says:
January 4th, 2009, 18:14 pm
When I wear red underwear I help to save the world.
DKumar M. Says:
January 4th, 2009, 19:23 pm
Nice Writing Jonathan…. I admire your secret and want to keep it that way only.
Anyways… I do know about NLP and I also feel the same way about my girlfriend’s undergarments. Jokes aside.
Leo Says:
January 4th, 2009, 19:30 pm
Great article, Jonathan. :)
Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:
January 4th, 2009, 19:37 pm
Hmm… since I don’t have any red underwear, I’m going to have to think of what else might serve as my trigger! :)
Ash Says:
January 4th, 2009, 20:31 pm
arguably the best approach to discussing NLP i’ve ever seen. you’d make a great copywriter :)
Steve @ Freedom Education Says:
January 4th, 2009, 20:39 pm
Man oh man,
I have a special belt, but no slick red briefs.
Although I do feel like a Ninja when I put on my green-hulk style shirt!
Jason Says:
January 4th, 2009, 23:39 pm
I first heard of NLP through the book Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins. I know, he has kinda went out there lately but at the time, that book worked for me.
@ Marelisa- I also looked into the Silva Method, many many years ago . At that time, most of the books on meditation were of the ‘empty your mind’ variety. I liked the Silva method of ‘dynamic meditation.’ Heck I still use the Silva trigger when I meditate, guess it just became a habit :)
Daphne Says:
January 5th, 2009, 1:03 am
Jonathan,
Thanks for sharing that secret! I learnt the underwear trick from a book (I forget which) some time back. It said to wear luxurious, pretty, or outrageous underwear for one simple reason:
When you walk around nobody knows what fanciful underwear you’re wearing except you, and that secret puts a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. It’s supposed to give you a mysterious aura!
Kat Eden Says:
January 5th, 2009, 6:41 am
My trigger is pretty basic and maybe even pretty boring. I use it whenever I’m not feeling motivated to exercise or to work hard during a workout that I’m doing. I just say to myself “this too shall pass” and it reminds me to make the most of each moment even if it causes pain at the time .. after all, it’s not going to last and the (deserved) relaxation will come soon enough!
Vincent Says:
January 5th, 2009, 8:05 am
Hey Jonathan, you remind me of Michael Jordan. Whenever he play, he will always wear a blue shorts under his basketball shorts. I believe that is also his way of creating a positive state before getting onto the basketball court.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Matt C Says:
January 5th, 2009, 8:27 am
We are talking about clean underwear here right or do you have several pairs of red undies?
Koodos to the person who mentioned Bruce Lee!
Deb Owen Says:
January 5th, 2009, 10:14 am
HA! I know a guy who absolutely will not lead a training session unless he has his red socks on. He tried it once. People fell asleep or left or something equally miserable. He’ll never do it again.
;-)
all the best!
deb
Rob Says:
January 5th, 2009, 10:57 am
This is how do I install a trigger:
1) Find a quiet spot where you can stay uninterrupted.
2) Choose an emotional state you want to access. It can also be a certain attitude: Happy, resourceful, calm, relaxed, sleepy, whatever the state you want to anchor is, the method remains the same. But attention, because it must be something you have experienced in your life.
3) Create a Positive Resource Anchor?
Recall a time in the past when you have felt the way you want to feel when your Anchor is fired. As you vividly remember that time, remembering everything you saw as if you were seeing it again, back through your own eyes, hear what you heard and feel the feeling you had at that time. When the feeling is at its strongest, “anchor” it by making a gesture, or gently pressing or squeezing an appropriate and accessible part of your body, e.g. making a fist, pushing the palm of your hand etc.
Break your state by jiggling your body or moving in some way then repeat the above using a different and equally positive memory from the past, then anchor that. Repeat this several times to make the anchor strong.
Then test how strong your anchor is by breaking your state and then firing it off. Notice how great you feel!
Jeff Says:
January 6th, 2009, 10:33 am
Thanks for this well written article, it puts words on concept I could feel but not see clearly. It’s an interesting way to cure mental problems and/or enhance creativity. Now I’m wondering if it’s a good thing because it’s like conditionned reflexes. Same thing you use to train dogs or animals in general, sort of a brainwash. But if it’s used for the greater good… why not!
Dan Massicotte Says:
January 6th, 2009, 20:09 pm
Reminds me of the “superman ring” I was thinking of getting on ebay (sterling silver) instead of a grad ring. Makes me feel invincible.
Ann Says:
January 7th, 2009, 16:37 pm
Well written. My trigger is to throw myself down on the floor and do 20 pushups. Less subtle than red undies, but it immediately makes me feel more grounded–more in my body. When I’m overaroused, it calms me; when I’m sluggish, it alerts me. I use it as a trigger to shift to a more focused state. There is also scientific evidence that it impacts the brain stem directly which regulates arousal so that you can concentrate more clearly.
Adrilia Says:
January 8th, 2009, 12:56 pm
Jonathan, this is so funny! I saw the title of the post and I just knew it had to be your post. I agree, NLP totally works, re-arranging your work environment works, and the power of our intent, coupled with drive, determination and a big sense of humor (as you’ve shown on your post) can make miracles happen. We are all the (s) heroes of our own lives!
Zurui Says:
January 8th, 2009, 22:37 pm
NLP works! I used it in my previous job to trigger other’s responses.
BTW, nice post and great blog! Found the link via Twitter.
Christian Nanz | Make The Days Count Says:
January 9th, 2009, 11:16 am
It is what it is. This is what gets me going and allows me to move forward.
For me, it is not fatalistic but instead it recognizes the truth of what is reality now. Don’t try to change what cannot be changed. Simply move forward and create your own future!
MMA Videos Says:
May 15th, 2009, 2:45 am
I like the tip regarding MMA fighters. Yes, it’s true that we do that and yes, it works no matter how silly it sounds. Got to pump yourself up to get in the mood.
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