🤩 I went VIRAL …

If you missed it, I posted this video clip of Olympic athlete Alexi Pappa’s discussing her therapist’s suggestion to make decisions based on whether they are expansive or contractive.

Every human, leader, business-owner, and investor relies on their decision-making protocols to bring them closer to their goals.

So, I thought it fascinating to study decision-making practices outside of just the business and investing world …

Scientific research is showing that when we’re happy or safe, cells expand and move towards something, while when unsafe, cells contract and move away.

By framing decisions in this way, Alexi found it easier to make choices that align with her truest desires and evolve without overthinking.

And it went viral … with 1.8 MILLION views and counting.

So I asked, what made this resonate with SO many people?

Well, it tapped into something deep within all of us – a desire to move beyond the traditional “good/bad” or “productive/unproductive” framework.

And tap into a wiser part of us that is connected to infinite intelligence. The wisdom that says, this is happening for me (not to me).

One side of the coin might reject this perspective as invalid because safety is not the goal – growth is and growth requires being uncomfortable. Or we might argue we cannot trust our intuition due to trauma, so this method will not work for us.

The other side of the coin acknowledges the infinite intelligence in our DNA and recognizes how we’ve suppressed, neglected, and ignored this intelligence due to cultural performance programming.

Either way … Let’s stand on the edge of the coin and see both sides.

We’ve all had that pit in our stomach … that heaviness in our chest … that chaotic confusion that makes our minds race. The pressure to make a decision yet unsure what decision we should make.

We’ve also had those butterflies in our tummy … those chills all over our body … that overwhelming sensation to take action. The urge to make a decision because we know we must.

One is rooted in fear. The other is rooted in growth.

Alexi’s story, where decisions were framed as expansive (feeling excited and open) or contractive (feeling fearful and closed off), resonated because it speaks to the power within that we sometimes don’t have language for.

This viral moment might just signal a larger shift in how we approach decision-making, especially in the business world.

I believe integration is key. Making decisions with this infinite intelligence and implementing with our logical mind.

Here’s why:

• From Overthinking to Embodiment: This framework bypasses analysis paralysis by focusing on the body’s immediate emotional response. Imagine the efficiency of prioritizing a project that makes you feel energized over one that leaves you drained.
  
• Unlocking Innovation: Expansive decisions often push us outside our comfort zones, breeding creativity and innovation. By encouraging ourselves and others to embrace expansive options, businesses can tap into a wellspring of fresh ideas.
  
• Building Trust: When people are empowered to trust their gut and make choices that feel expansive, it fosters a culture of trust and ownership. This can lead to increased engagement and a more empowered workforce.

Of course, expansive doesn’t mean reckless, and contractive decisions can sometimes be necessary. The key takeaway is that this framework offers a valuable tool to complement traditional methods.

So, the next time you’re faced with a decision, take a deep breath, tune into your body’s response, and ask yourself: Does this choice feel expansive or contractive?

This simple shift could be the key to unlocking a wave of innovation, personal growth, and a more empowered way of doing business.

Let me know your thoughts …