The Spirit of Confidence
Over the past 12 months, did you stay on track to Get Stuff Done? There have been huge challenges in all our lives but some people have managed to overcome those challenges and reach their goals. How did they do it? And did you get closer to the goals you set for yourself and are you seeing your desired results?
If not, what’s happened? Or, more to the point, what’s not happened and why? Could it be that in addition to external events that are beyond your control, your confidence level, or self-limiting belief has held you back?
Did you avoid tackling what needed to be done because it felt too tough? Did you pretend that you wanted to achieve was not really that important after all? Was it easier to simply not do the ‘Tough Stuff” because you felt that, “I don’t want to” or “I don’t really feel like it right now” self talk in your head?
Avoiding the tough stuff in our lives will prevent us from achieving the positive results we desire.
You know what I mean … those difficult conversations with our partner, extended family, friends, team members or customers that need to be had … however, speaking out is uncomfortable and we put it off … and off …
And what about the exercise regime we promised ourselves to get fitter, healthier or lose weight that has gone by the wayside because it’s less effort to simply NOT do it. Aren’t we kicking ourselves about that?
What’s making us let ourselves down by not doing the tough stuff?
I’ve been guilty of this and have realised that the moment we are faced with actually following through on our commitments to ourselves, the temptation NOT to do it makes it feel easier just to give in. Immediately we feel an avoidance of discomfort but in the long run it makes our lives more stressful and harder.
Think about this – our AVOIDANCE creates a few moments of comfort immediately but tremendous dissatisfaction in the long run. Our ACTION may create a few moments of discomfort immediately but can create what we really want in the long run.
So, what’s holds us back? It’s that moment of decision. We make the choice to face what we must do or choose to give in to the emotional wimp in us saying, “I just don’t feel like it right now.”
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· COMMIT to what you want. Tell yourself, “I WILL do this” not “I should do this.” The word “should” is not a call to action.
· ACKNOWLEDGE that it might make you feel uncomfortable and acknowledge you have the ability to get through it. (That Miley Cyrus song, “It’s The Climb” comes to mind.)
· PREPARE all that needs to be in place to encourage success. It could be rehearsing what you are going to say, anticipating how you are going to overcome the resistance of others, doing some research so you have all the required information, getting your exercise gear ready to put on the minute you get up in the morning. Prepare yourself well.
· ANCHOR yourself to get you going. Use a phrase that will motivate you. (Try “Wimp or Wonder Woman” “Man or Mouse” or whatever will work for you!)
· JUST DO IT. Say to yourself, “5-4-3-2-1” and then DO IT. The longer you think about it, the more chance you give the Wimp in you to talk yourself out of it.
Remember that it was the tough stuff you overcame when you learned a new skill, the tough stuff you overcame when you made a positive impression, or got your first job. How did that make you feel? Hang on to that feeling because YOU can experience that excitement again if you just do it. There is a saying “Eat the Frog”
I’d love to hear what works for you or if you’re happy to share what is blocking you from working towards your goals. We can support each other!
Visit The Careers Academy for more support.
If you would like to have a chat about what’s happening in your life and how I can help you, book a career clarity chat.
