Pride - A First Aid For
I thought I'd share a couple psychological techniques I often draw upon due to my incurably prideful nature. I say incurable because it has been with me from a very early age and there does not appear to be a way to change it. I'd like to think some of my friends and acquaintances would disagree with this view but that is largely due to learned compensatory methods. You could say I take pride in my ability to avoid being proud. Which seems related to the old saying; "If you think you're humble then you're not."
Expert-Incognito is a technique for when I feel myself getting a little big-headed. For example, let's say I rode a bike down a particularly treacherous trail on the weekend. The following day it is starting to go to my head and I catch a bus thinking I'm really top stuff. After recognizing my mental tardiness I would think, "That person sitting next to me might be or may have been an absolute expert mountain cyclist that could do what I did yesterday in his/her sleep." I find that brings me down to earth. My achievement should be evaluated within my own context only. Other opinions on the matter really only pollute my enjoyment.
Therapeutic-Sensation is how I try to react when the inevitable hurt pride occurs. For example, lets say I think I'm doing a really good job of performing drums for my band. It starts to go to my head and I don't recognize it. Naturally, I make a mistake and I'm feeling really, really embarrassed. Not just because I made the mistake but because I thought I was top stuff at the time. Instead of trying to find an excuse or deny how bad I feel, I just embrace that really stinging feeling. I think "The more this stings the better it is for me." There is no point in kidding oneself although it can be difficult to recognize.
I could go on but those are my two favorite techniques. It's too bad I didn't know them a couple decades ago.... now where is that technique for self pity?
Expert-Incognito is a technique for when I feel myself getting a little big-headed. For example, let's say I rode a bike down a particularly treacherous trail on the weekend. The following day it is starting to go to my head and I catch a bus thinking I'm really top stuff. After recognizing my mental tardiness I would think, "That person sitting next to me might be or may have been an absolute expert mountain cyclist that could do what I did yesterday in his/her sleep." I find that brings me down to earth. My achievement should be evaluated within my own context only. Other opinions on the matter really only pollute my enjoyment.
Therapeutic-Sensation is how I try to react when the inevitable hurt pride occurs. For example, lets say I think I'm doing a really good job of performing drums for my band. It starts to go to my head and I don't recognize it. Naturally, I make a mistake and I'm feeling really, really embarrassed. Not just because I made the mistake but because I thought I was top stuff at the time. Instead of trying to find an excuse or deny how bad I feel, I just embrace that really stinging feeling. I think "The more this stings the better it is for me." There is no point in kidding oneself although it can be difficult to recognize.
I could go on but those are my two favorite techniques. It's too bad I didn't know them a couple decades ago.... now where is that technique for self pity?
Comments
Post a Comment