How does Goldilocks Consciousness boost Success and Self-Confidence?
Goldilocks got it “just right!” We don’t want our focus to be too soft so we’re unconscious of what we’re doing, oblivious to what’s causing our triumphs and failures. Conversely, we don’t want our focus to be too harsh so we become self-conscious, and stop trying or shut down altogether.
Ideally, we live in the “just right” sweet spot of consciousness, aware of what we’re doing, and blessing our experiences with our curiosity, creativity, and compassion. We feel curious about how simple changes in our behavior and beliefs affect us. We’re excited to explore creative approaches to reach our goals and express self-compassion regardless of the outcome.
Below are three stellar examples of “just right” consciousness:
1. In his superb book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, James Nestor explains why modern science and ancient practices on breathholding contradict each other. Research has repeatedly shown breathholding, alias apnea, is bad for us. That’s true for sleep and screen apnea, where we hold our breath staring at a computer or phone screen with partial, unconscious attention. On the other hand, ancient Tibetans practiced breathholding to be more enlightened and healthy. Wim Hoff, the “Ice Man” has popularized this breathholding method.
Nestor unravels this apparent contradiction as a difference in consciousness. “Again it comes down to will. The breathholding that occurs in sleep and constant partial attention is unconscious – it’s something that happens to our bodies, something that’s out of our control. The breathholding practiced by the ancients and revivalists is conscious. These are practices we will ourselves to do. And when we do them properly, I’d heard they can work wonders.” (James Nestor, page 172)
2. Research on awareness and overeating shows similar results. Practicing mindfulness, a form of enhanced, just right consciousness, reduces the intensity and number of episodes of binge and emotional eating.
3. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I took up surfing and stand-up paddling. Both sports require staying in the sweet spot of “just right” consciousness. I can’t balance on a surf or SUP board when I get too self-conscious. And it’s never safe to go unconscious or “get bored on a board.“
Narration:
At first I was super nervous, self conscious at surf camp. I needed lots of support. One surf coach gave me physical support by giving me a "Daddy" push. Other surf coaches gave me verbal, emotional support by cheering me on and giving me verbal cues.
The second time I got up without a Daddy Push. I was much less scared & nervous. But I was still self conscious. However I was getting closer to the sweet, just-right consciousness.
The third time I got even closer to the sweet spot of just-right consciousness. I wasn’t scared and actually enjoyed surfing. I didn’t want this ride to end.