|T| 72H WITHOUT COMPLAINING

TRICKS • 20-05-2014

Deciding how much of the world you want to change, and what you can live with, is an incredibly deceptive analysis. Acknowledge it through this simple experiment.

complain (kəmˈpleɪn/)

verb

express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.

This one I borrowed from Michael Neill's great book "Supercoach".

It's a very simple idea, not so easy to implement: spend 72 continuous hours without expressing dissatisfaction. The rule of thumb is: you can think it, but you can't verbally share it. If you slip during that time, restart the counting until you get a complete set of 3 days in a row without a single complain.

You just have to try before jumping into conclusions. Then come back and share what you've found about your world and your energy management: there's more than meets the eye...

(note: Michael Neill is one of my heroes; I recommend exploring a bit around his amazing work @ www.supercoach.com)

7 comments

Graça

Not complaning is realy an interesting and very useful challenge. Every time I do it, my life improves a lot.

in 2014-07-28 12:44:47

Victor

Great exercise. Not only I´m starting this exercise but I also going to spend the next 72 hours without starting sentences with “No”, “But”, “However”. Last week I also started a 21 day program for positive attitude with 3 simple exercises I repeat daily:
- Write 3 new things I’m grateful for each day;
- Write in a journal, one positive experience I have had in the last 24 hours;
- Send e-mail to someone in my team with a compliment.

in 2014-06-11 16:59:33

Marta

Powerful exercise! I've done this before and I try to leva eby this "rule" everyday.
My conclusion...as easy as it is for me, I always end up complaining about something just to fit in with everyone else. It's amazingly sad how this is the normal mindset for almost everyone.

in 2014-06-11 11:48:48

Stephen Oak

this is impossible..

in 2014-05-22 09:26:53

Netta

I have not made it to 3 days, but I am more aware of negativity. A good idea is to use a coin or a stone as a token that you switch in your pocket (each time you complaine, switch the token to the other pocket and start again from day 0.

I'm using the premise that it is not a complaint if you are discussing with the person that can remedy the problem. Not to someone who cannot. If you are able to remedy it yourself, there is no need to say it to someone else. Remember- if you think it, but do not say it…..it does not count.

in 2014-05-20 14:58:47

Theo

This lesson was meant for me. It couldn’t have come at a better time. i am starting the 3 day challenge right now.

in 2014-05-20 11:59:08

kate

I’m taking the challenge for 3 days(how ever long that takes). To stop complaining. And I’m excited to send of a thank you note every day. It will help me remember how many nice things people say and do. And help me to be more greatful for everything. Thank you

in 2014-05-20 09:59:58