The Writing and Photography Blog of Kevin J Sabo

One tool that has helped me significantly in my mental struggles is the concept of opposite action.

Simply put, opposite action is doing the opposite of what you are feeling at a given time. Don’t feel like getting out of bed? Get out of bed anyways. Don’t feel like cutting the lawn? Cut the lawn anyways.

Some days, doing the opposite of what I am feeling is the only reason things get done, and today was one of those days.

I didn’t manage to get everything done today that I was wanting to, because the fatigue has been kicking my ass today. I’ve been in a semi-fog since this afternoon, and it’s been brute force that’s kept me moving at all today.

Due to the fatigue related brain fog, I didn’t end up getting my article written or work done on my assignment. However, I can’t focus on that. Not everyday is going to be a good day, and I need to focus on the positives.

I did get some dishes done today. I got a start on the lawn. I took some photos at an event in town, and got them processed and submitted. I also cut myself some slack, and let myself play some more “The Outer Worlds.” The thing I’m starting to realize is that even when I’m not as productive as I want to be, resting is still productive. Resting let’s me recharge so I can carry on the fight.

At my worst, my threshold is getting one thing done per day, and I am far from at my worst right now. I need to acknowledge my successes, and realize that what didn’t get done today can get done tomorrow. I also need to acknowledge the fact that sometimes when I don’t feel like doing something, the best thing to do is do it anyway.

I know that doing the opposite action can be hard. I know I find it challenging myself, but sometimes it’s the best one can do in trying times. As long as I manage to get a couple things done in a day, the day is not a loss.

Kevin