On a recent episode of Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Gretchen & Liz discussed a “tripwire”.
The classic definition or use of this term is a low-placed, concealed wire or device used to trigger a specific action, often a trap or alarm, when disturbed or moved.
They were using the term as something to leverage in personal development.
A set of pre-determined signals or checkpoints that trigger a decision, review, or action.
The tripwire could be the deadline.
Or a cue when a specific event occurs.
It is the moment that you must follow through.
Action will happen.
My Perspective
As I considered the idea, I can see where deadlines triggered actions in my life.
Presentations finished before the client meeting.
Suitcases packed in time to leave for the flight.
I had more trouble thinking of cues that sparked actions.
Those were the little things like a counter full of dishes is a cue to tidy the kitchen.
For me, visual cues are often a tripline for project maintenance.
This does have me wondering if there are new ways to use this idea in my life.
With the concept of a tripwire, maybe it’s more intentional than calendar scheduling.
Paying attention to areas where a tripwire might be beneficial.
Your Turn
Can you think of ways tripwires have been used in your life?
Is there something you’ve been procrastinating on that could use a good tripwire?
Could you set and activate one today?