- Optimism- a positive and hopeful outlook on the adventure set before you. Don't believe or attach to the negative self-talk or inevitable disappointments. Listen to and notice the feelings and find ways to restate them with more motivating phrases "I've learned hard things before, I can do it again" "this is all part of the process"
- Persistence- these ants are nothing if not persistent. Quitting is clearly not in their vocabulary. They carry on. So do we. We keep showing up and that is one of the biggest secrets of people who master their skill. They show up and keep showing up. Sometimes it is the hardest when you've made significant progress in your discipline. You have new and higher expectations of yourself and need to face the humility of growth in a new way.
- Failure- I'm not entirely heartless with these tiny creatures. I know they just want to live and are trying to figure out how and where they best belong, which is NOT under the flashing of my windows or in the brick mortar gaps or in single file lines across my deck. As they, and we, experience failure we actually learn more effectively than we do from books and teachers. Failure activates specific areas of our brain (not sure about ant brains) and creates neuron growth and synapse activity. Our subsequent attempts are often more creative and successful.
- Reconnoiter- have you noticed how there is often only 2 or 3 ants casing the kitchen counter before the insurgence? These are called 'scouts." They are information gatherers and they report windfall discoveries to the troops. It requires courage and curiosity to face down the challenge ahead and seek solutions, solve problems. Taking a nap is so much easier! When I hit a block and the way forward is unclear, I put on my scout cap and start seeking the answer.