Overcoming Social Situations:
From Grumpy to Grateful

Hello, lovely readers! Today, I wanted to dive into a topic that often gets overlooked – overcoming social situations that you might not be thrilled about. As someone who's an introvert and not always eager to put myself out there, I understand how daunting it can be. But let's explore how we can turn these situations into positive experiences.

The Challenge

Let's face it, we've all been there. There's an upcoming social or familial event you’re dreading. Maybe it's a birthday party, a community gathering, or just a social obligation that you'd rather avoid. For me, these situations often clash with my inherent desire to relax and the obligations I already have, like running my consecutive running streak, which I'm on day 1567 of today.

My Situation

Take today, for instance. It's Saturday, and I've already packed my day with activities. From early morning runs to attending my children's football matches, the schedule is pretty hectic. Adding to that, there's a social event planned tonight – a 40th birthday party in Norwich, which is about an hour and a half drive from Cambridge. Now, the thought of rushing through a busy day only to face a boozy night out, might have brought out the grumpy old man in me.

The Analogy

I've often found that the best way to tackle something you don't want to do is by taking control of your emotions and forcing a different perspective. Think of it as me managing my emotional brain or chimp brain. Remember my running streak of 1567 days? It's a habit so deeply ingrained that my chimp brain has accepted the inevitability of it. The same principle applies when overcoming social reluctancy.

How I Navigate This

So, what’s my trick? It's taking a beat – as simple as pausing for a heartbeat. This brief moment helps me reset my emotional state, allowing me to rationally assess the situation.

The Run: Starting the day with a run clears my mind and releases positive endorphins. The run is done early, making sure that the rest of the day is free from the stress of squeezing it in.

Children's Activities: Being grateful that my kids are active and healthy is another perspective shift. Whether I’m reffing or coaching, this time with them is invaluable.

Social Events with My Wife: Recognizing the opportunity to spend time with my wife is crucial. Yes, life is busy, but these moments are a chance to strengthen our relationship.

Building Community: Being part of a close-knit group of friends and ensuring my children grow up in a supportive environment is priceless. By participating in social events, I’m contributing to this eco-system of camaraderie.

The Important Realization

The learning here is the ability to override that barrier of not wanting to do something and actually doing it. This skill is vital not just for business or fitness, but for familial and social situations too. Relationships and shared experiences with those closest to you are irreplaceable.

By attending these events, I’m not just fulfilling a social obligation. I’m enhancing the experience for my loved ones and friends. Someone once told me, "The more people we serve in this life, the more purposeful and successful we will be." And that doesn't mean monetarily; it means in terms of happiness and purpose. The more people you positively affect, the more fulfilled you’ll feel.

Final Thoughts

Alright, this might feel like I've waxed lyrical from merely moaning about a night out. But the truth is, realizing the broader impact of our actions helps reshape our mindset. Today, I’m choosing to embrace the football matches, the drive to Norwich, and the boozy night out. I’ll suck it up and dive in with the intention to enjoy every moment. And yes, I might feel a bit rotten tomorrow, but I'll face that battle when it presents itself.

Thank you all for reading. If you believe in my mission of saving the lives of children by running the ultimate ultra-marathon around the world barefoot and want to support, please subscribe, share, like and comment. The more people we reach, the more lives we save. Stay positive, stay happy, and see you again tomorrow!

With gratitude, Kevin Brittain