So I was scrolling through some old notes last weekend, feeling like my personal growth stuff was stuck on repeat. Then I remembered this professor Barrett’s idea about power meaning jumping into change consciously – sounded fancy but confusing as hell at first glance.
My Starting Point: Feeling Stuck
Okay real talk? My default mode has always been either avoiding change or charging at it blindly. Like when my gym closed suddenly last month, I just sulked for two weeks eating chips instead of finding new workouts. Classic “powerless” move according to Barrett.
Breaking Down The Fancy Terms
Started scribbling in my journal: “Knowing Participation” ain’t rocket science. It means spotting changes coming at you and choosing how to dive in instead of running or freezing. My dumb potato-chip phase? Zero participation. Zero power.
- Noticed: Gym closing = change happening
- Chose participation: Researched 3 home workout apps Saturday morning
- Actual doing: Signed up and sweat through beginner yoga Monday
Testing It On Small Changes
Tried applying it everywhere like a mad scientist. When my boss mentioned schedule shifts:
- Stopped panic-mode (old habit)
- Actually listed how new hours would affect my dog walks/commute
- Asked about hybrid options instead of just nodding
Felt weird being this intentional but holy crap – got approved for adjusted shifts that same week.
Where It Gets Tricky
Biggest mind shift? Realizing “participation” doesn’t mean controlling everything. Last Tuesday my kid suddenly needed a last-minute science project. Couldn’t control the deadline, but chose how to help: grabbed supplies together instead of yelling. Barrett calls this “knowing participation in unfolding change” – basically rolling with chaos while steering slightly.
Final takeaway? Treating power like a conscious verb changed things more than any motivational quote. Still mess up daily, but now I catch myself asking: “How am I jumping into this mess?” before reacting. Game changer.
