Huge goals can inspire us. They can also create such a gap between the present and the imagined future that the body cannot find a movement.
If this experience is a three out of ten, we may not need to make it a ten. We can ask what would make it a five.
Two points is small enough to reveal choices we actually have.
Work With the Experience in Reach
We do not control the weather, the event playlist, who arrives, what someone says, or whether a plan unfolds perfectly. We have more influence over our participation than we often remember.
An experience might improve because we change chairs, open the shade, wear something pleasing, eat what the body actually wants, add music, contact one person, or bring fuller presence to the room.
These are not consolation prizes. Moving from flat to okay places us within reach of connection. Moving from okay toward engaged can put us in the vicinity of a thriving experience.
Momentum Matters More Than the Number
A person moving from one to three may have more accessible energy than someone fixed at five. The direction tells the nervous system that change is possible.
Ask:
- Where am I from zero to ten right now?
- What is within my influence?
- What would add two points—or half a point if that is more honest?
- What would my body prefer rather than what looks impressive?
- Can I let the upgrade register before demanding another?
If you begin at zero, a shift to half a point is not trivial. It is movement.
Tapping: A Reachable Upgrade
Side of the Hand: Even though I want a dramatic transformation, the size of the goal may be hiding the movement available now.
Even though two points seems too small, I am willing to let a reachable upgrade create momentum.
Even though much is outside my control, I can notice the part of this experience that belongs to me.
Top of the Head: I want this to be completely different.
Eyebrow: The gap feels enormous.
Side of the Eye: My body cannot find the bridge.
Under the Eye: No wonder I am waiting.
Under the Nose: What would make it two points better?
Chin: Or half a point better?
Collarbone: What is genuinely within reach?
Under the Arm: Small momentum is still momentum.
Top of the Head: I can choose the next upgrade.
Eyebrow: More comfort, beauty, or connection.
Side of the Eye: One action that fits my body.
Under the Eye: I do not need the perfect conditions.
Under the Nose: I can participate in the experience.
Chin: I can notice what changes.
Collarbone: Once it is stable, I may choose another step.
Under the Arm: Thriving can grow through reachable increments.
Take a breath. Rate the present experience, then name one specific change that could improve it slightly.
Practice on Ordinary Moments
Dinner, a trip to the store, an hour at home, or a difficult work block gives us somewhere to practice. What would make this more connected, more comfortable, or more ours?
The method does not deny structural problems or suggest that attitude controls every outcome. Some situations need substantial action, outside support, or professional help. Incremental influence is not total responsibility.
It is a way to recover agency from all-or-nothing thinking. We can meet the moment we actually have, improve what is available, and let repeated small movements become a life we can recognize as more alive.
Session Audio
This Guide was adapted from a Thriving Now session with Rick Wilkes and Cathy Vartuli, recorded December 27, 2015. The transcript was generated automatically and may contain errors.