The Laser Tag Manifesto

Growing up I loved playing laser tag for friends birthday parties and school functions. It was full of physical activity, strategy (spies and traders), and tactics. Every game began the same way, you pick a code name, register it with the front desk then go to briefing to learn about the rules, at the end of the rules session you were required to raise your token high up in the air with your right hand and repeat what the marshal (rules leader) said. Then you were able to enter into the room get your gun and start playing. 

Today I was reflecting on this and the saying that we said over and over again each game we played. It didn’t matter if you had been there 100 times or it was your first time, you were required to raise your right hand and repeat the rules. This was powerful because every time it continued to remind you what the rules were and how the game was played. I doubt the creators of the game thought about this fully, but it was a brilliant tactic.

I say this because when you repeat something enough times it becomes reality. Regardless if you believe it to be true, the sheer repetition of a saying something over and over again forces a habit and trains your unconscious mind to follow suit. This all goes to say that whatever you feed your mind has a direct correlation to your performance. I learned this a long time ago, but recently made this connection.

With that in mind, every morning I have started to say this manifesto to myself. The first thing I do before I look at my phone I say this, like the rules of the day. I talk about how grateful I am and excited for the day. I review the tasks for the day and goals for the week. No, I don’t hold my hand up in the air or say “marshal marshal marshal” when I need help, but I do think that saying this helps to unconsciously lay the groundwork for my day. 

Unlike laser tag there is not marshal forcing it down my through before the door to the game begins, but I hope I can repeat it enough to get myself on a habit to continually do it.