Yesterday an ordinary sandwich turned into an extraordinary encounter. I was at the local sandwich shop, trying to figure out how much to tip. Math isn't exactly my strong suit, so there I was, fumbling with the numbers when suddenly, a hearty laugh broke the silence. I looked over and, to my amazement, it was none other than John Nash, the mathematical genius himself! You know, the guy from A Beautiful Mind.
He offered to help, and I couldn’t exactly pass up math help from a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician, so I welcomed his assistance. We shared a chuckle over my lack of math prowess and quickly bonded over the absurdity of the situation — me, needing a genius to help with tipping.
But the conversation took an interesting turn when John noticed the book I had open on the table: 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. Intrigued, he pointed to a tool titled "Daily Check-in with You" and asked about it. Given his own struggles, he was curious about how this tool could help him — and others — stay in control of their mental health.
The Warrior Tool: "Daily Check-in with You"
I explained to John that the Daily Check-in with You tool is designed to help us reconnect with ourselves, especially on days when our emotions might be running wild. It's a simple, daily practice of setting aside a few moments to touch base with ourselves, assess our mental state, and plan our next steps.
This tool isn't just about checking a box; it's about deepening our connection with ourselves. After all, how can we triumph over life's challenges if we don't even know where we stand with ourselves?
John’s First Example: Morning Reflections
John's Plan:
He thought this tool could be particularly helpful in the mornings. "I often start my day feeling overwhelmed by the thoughts racing through my head. If I could take just a few minutes each morning to check in with myself, I might be able to better organize my day," he mused.
Our Turn:
You don't have to be a mathematical genius to benefit from this idea. Take a few minutes each morning—perhaps over coffee or while brushing your teeth—to check in with yourself. Ask, "How am I feeling today? What do I need to accomplish?" This practice helps set a positive tone for the day, providing clarity and direction.
John’s Second Example: Midday Mental Reboot
John's Plan:
John admitted that his thoughts often spiral out of control at midday, especially when he's deep into solving complex problems. He suggested using the Daily Check-in tool as a mental reboot. "Around lunchtime, I could pause and ask myself, 'Am I on track? Do I need to adjust my approach?' It can help me avoid mental fatigue," he explained.
Our Turn:
Midday is the perfect time for a mental check-in. Whether you're at work, school, or home, taking a few minutes to reassess your mental state can prevent burnout. Ask yourself, "Am I still focused? Is my energy level where it needs to be?" If you're feeling drained, this is your cue to take a break, refuel, or adjust your plan.
John’s Third Example: Evening Wrap-Up
John's Plan:
John saw value in using the tool at the end of the day. "Before I go to bed, I could reflect on what I accomplished and what I could improve on tomorrow," he said. "It’s like tying up loose ends in my mind, so I can rest better."
Our Turn:
An evening check-in can be incredibly calming. Before bed, ask yourself, "What went well today? What challenges did I face, and how did I handle them?" This reflection not only helps you wind down but also sets the stage for a more productive and mindful tomorrow. Plus, it can improve your sleep by easing any lingering worries.
Embrace the Quirkiness
I shared with John that at first, the "Daily Check-in with You" tool felt a bit awkward — almost like I was trying to date myself. But, just like building any relationship, the more I used it, the more natural it became. Now, it’s a daily ritual that keeps me grounded, especially when Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD try to throw me off course.
Life Lesson from John Nash
As our conversation drew to a close, I gave John my copy of the 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior Book. He smiled and said, "You know, managing mental health is like solving complex equations. It takes patience, persistence, and sometimes, a little help from others."
We both laughed, realizing that even the most brilliant minds need simple tools to stay grounded. And just like that, John Nash and I — two people from vastly different worlds — found common ground in the pursuit of building strong mental health so we can triumph over our life’s challenges!
My Takeaway
As John got up to leave, I couldn’t help but think about the wisdom he’d shared. Whether you’re a mathematical genius or just trying to figure out the right tip, the “Daily Check-in with You” tool can be a game-changer. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stay connected with yourself, manage your emotions, and ultimately, take control of your day.
So next time you find yourself struggling, take a moment to check in with you. Who knows? You might just solve the puzzle of your day, one mindful moment at a time. And remember — even Nobel Prize winners can use a good Mental Health Warrior Tool now and then!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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