The Push and Pull Method: Are You Forcing the Door that's Already Open?

The other day, I saw a gif of Peppermint Patty absolutely wrestling with a door. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown casually walks up, gives it a little nudge, and strolls right in. Watching it, I had two thoughts:

1. Wow, that’s me at the gym every morning—pulling when I should be pushing and as usual Jason is right behind me, shaking his head as he nudges me forward.

2. Wow, that’s me in life—trying way too hard when the answer is literally right in front of me.

Let’s talk about this epiphany, because it’s not just a gym door issue—it’s a life issue.

Why Are We Pulling So Hard?

We’ve all been there, pulling with all our might:

• Pulling opportunities toward us like we’re in a tug-of-war with fate.

• Pulling for attention, like, Hey world, look at me, I’m over here trying my best!

• Pulling answers out of situations that are clearly hiding from us- not ready to reveal itself!

It’s like trying to pull a sweater snagged on a door knob: frustrating, exhausting, embarrassing, and ultimately pointless.

The truth is, pulling often comes from panic. We’re afraid that if we don’t pull hard enough, the thing we want will slip away. But spoiler alert: if it’s meant for you, no amount of pushing or pulling will make it un-yours.

Enter- The Push

Now, pushing? Pushing is a whole vibe. Pushing is confidence. Pushing is trusting that the door is meant to open—and it will—if you just lean in with the right kind of effort.

Here’s what pushing looks like:

• Pushing past that little voice in your head that says, “What if I fail?” (Tell it, “What if I don’t?” and keep it moving.)

• Pushing away doubts like the wind pushes away fallen leaves.

• Pushing forward even when you feel like you’ve got the energy of a dying car battery.

It’s not about shoving your way through life like a linebacker—it’s about knowing the work has already been done and all you need is a little nudge.

But Don’t Forget to Pull… The Good Stuff

Let’s not throw out pulling altogether. Sometimes, we need to pull in the good vibes:

• Pull in confidence, like, Hell Yes, I am that person. Thank you for noticing.

• Pull in faith, because you need to remind yourself that the God (or universe, or destiny) isn’t out to get you.

• Pull in positivity, even if it means forcibly yanking it out of your overly pessimistic group chat. Actually if you're in a overly pessimistic group chat- PULL OUT!

Think of it this way: push the junk out, pull the good stuff in. It’s like decluttering your mental junk drawer and finally finding the scissors you’ve been looking for. That's an on going struggle in our home.

Closing Thoughts (And Hopefully Not Doors)

Life’s full of doors—some you push, some you pull, and some you just stare at while hoping someone else opens them for you. But here’s the kicker: most of the time, the opportunity is already there. The work is already done. You’re just overcomplicating it by yanking at the metaphorical “pull” handle like your life depends on it.

So, let’s all agree: next time we’re face-to-face with life’s doors, let’s check the sign. Is it a pull? A push? Or maybe—just maybe—it’s already open, and all you have to do is walk through.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a gym door to conquer… again.