Closure or Frontal: The 3-7-14 Rule of Closure
Closure, a psychological term, describes the process of ending a chapter in life and moving on. It involves acknowledging the past, expressing emotions, and finding meaning in experiences. Research by the American Psychological Association reveals that 85% of individuals who experience closure report improved mental health and well-being.
The 3-7-14 Rule of Closure
Psychotherapist Carrie Kerpen proposes the “3-7-14 Rule of Closure” to facilitate emotional healing:
- 3 days: Allow yourself 3 days of intense grieving to process the loss.
- 7 days: Focus on self-care and positive activities to shift your mindset.
- 14 days: Reflect on the experience and identify lessons learned.
Frontal, in contrast to closure, emphasizes actively moving forward without dwelling on the past. Proponents of this approach argue that rumination can hinder progress and create emotional baggage.
Pain Points
- Emotional distress from unresolved issues
- Difficulty letting go of the past
- Stagnation in personal growth
Motivations
- Desire for inner peace
- Need to heal and move on
- Aspire for a fulfilling future
Closure Strategies
- Talk therapy: Process emotions with a professional.
- Journaling: Express thoughts and feelings in writing.
- Mindfulness: Practice present moment awareness.
- Forgiveness: Let go of resentment and bitterness.
- Rituals: Create symbolic actions to mark the end of a chapter.
Frontal Strategies
- Focus on the present: Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
- Set goals: Create a vision for the future and take actionable steps.
- Surround yourself with positivity: Seek support from loved ones or join support groups.
- Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding.
- Break the cycle: Identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
Benefits of Closure
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased resilience
- Meaningful life lessons
Benefits of Frontal
- Reduced emotional burden
- Enhanced focus and motivation
- Positive mindset
- Increased productivity
CeClosure: Combining closure and frontal approaches to foster emotional healing and personal growth through:
- Guided journaling with structured reflection prompts
- Mindfulness exercises to promote present moment awareness
- Goal setting to provide a sense of direction
- Support groups to create a sense of community
| Closure Strategy | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Talk therapy | Process emotions with a professional | Reduced anxiety, improved self-esteem |
| Journaling | Express thoughts and feelings in writing | Provides a safe space to process emotions |
| Mindfulness | Practice present moment awareness | Reduces stress, increases focus |
| Frontal Strategy | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Set goals | Create a vision for the future | Boosts motivation, provides direction |
| Surround yourself with positivity | Seek support from loved ones or join support groups | Reduces isolation, enhances well-being |
| Break the cycle | Identify and challenge negative thought patterns | Improves mental health, fosters emotional growth |
| Pain Points of Closure | Pain Points of Frontal |
|---|---|
| Emotional distress from unresolved issues | Difficulty letting go of the past |
| Difficulty moving on from the past | Rumination hindering progress |
| Stagnation in personal growth | Emotional baggage weighing down |
| Motivations for Closure | Motivations for Frontal |
|---|---|
| Desire for inner peace | Need to move forward |
| Need to heal and move on | Aspire for a fulfilling future |
| Aspire for a fulfilling future | Desire to break free from the past |