Flex_ Do Something Different - Ben [36]
Cook a very old recipe.
Hold doors open for people.
Sing the national anthem.
Call someone ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ (as appropriate).
Give up your seat on public transport.
Take a photo of yourself looking as conventional as you can manage.
Talk about the weather a lot.
Dress more conservatively.
Spend a day trying to be un-cool.
Have a conversation with your parent(s) and agree with everything they say.
Do not swear all day.
Be extremely polite with everyone you meet.
The individually-centred-group-centred dimension
Individually-centred? Try being more group-centred.
Ask other group members what you can do for the group.
Offer support or help to another group member.
Initiate a chat with one or more of your group about the needs of the group.
Organise something that all of the group can take part in.
Be willing to learn from family and friends; remain open to the suggestions of others.
Help a stranger.
Practise saying, ‘Is everybody here happy?’
Donate some money to charity (any amount is OK).
Organise a board game with at least three other people.
Volunteer some of your time to a worthy cause.
Plan a surprise for a friend’s birthday that is approaching.
Before making a decision today – find out what others want.
Take a family vote on decisions, e.g. holiday, film-watching, decorating.
Find out if others think you are doing your fair share around the house.
Group-centred? Try being more individually-centred.
Take an individual stance (when it’s appropriate to do so).
Share your individual needs with one or more members of the group.
Do the right thing without asking others.
Do something purely for yourself.
Buy yourself a treat or send yourself flowers.
Tell the rest of the group what isn’t working for you.
Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed and read twenty-five pages of a book.
Practise saying, ‘My needs are just as important as other people’s.’
Make or buy yourself your favourite meal.
Set aside thirty minutes for ‘me time’. Listen to music, read a book, do what you like.
When you do something well, congratulate yourself.
Decide on tonight’s meal without asking others what they want.
The firm-gentle dimension
Firm? Try being gentler.
Sympathise without trying to solve the problem.
Show your vulnerable side.
Don’t push; wait and see what happens.
Write a letter of sympathy or apology.
Learn the words of a poem by heart.
Be the first to say sorry.
Give more hugs.
Ask yourself, ‘What would Mother Theresa have done?’
Put yourself in someone else’s shoes before judging them.
Make a CD of love songs.
Listen to someone without interrupting or offering an opinion.
Offer to help someone in need.
Practise saying, ‘Let’s take this slowly.’
Whisper at your children today (instead of raising your voice).
Smile broadly instead of speaking out.
Gentle? Try being firmer.
Take a stance on something you won’t put up with.
Try raising your voice a little.
Practise using phrases that are more definite.
Repeat your wishes if you are not being heard.
Write a letter of complaint or rant publicly.
Ask yourself, ‘What would Alan Sugar do?’
Do not apologise for being yourself.
Send back a meal, or goods, that you aren’t happy with.
Offer your opinion in a situation you normally wouldn’t.
Practise saying, ‘This is something I feel very strongly about.’
Cut ties with anyone who makes you feel bad/uses you.
Report bad service you have received.
The lively-laid back dimension
Lively? Try being more laid back.
Stay a little longer.
Stop and examine the detail.
Take up a relaxing hobby.
Make vague plans; turn up when you feel like it.
Close your eyes and think something through in detail.
Don’t rush; take the scenic route.
Let the day unfold without organising it.
Ask yourself, ‘What would the Dalai Lama do?’
Leave your watch or mobile phone at home for a day.
Listen to a relaxation CD.
Do not set your alarm at the weekend; lie in.
Stay at home and read a book instead of going out.
Practise saying, ‘Let’s just chill.