You don’t see enough progress
If you no longer feel the optimism and energy you had on January 1st, you’re not alone. Most people start each new year with new resolutions, new intentions, and a positive outlook, but their ability to improve anything in their lives doesn’t depend on what day it is. It depends primarily on their mindset and secondarily on their strategy and implementation.
What did you want to transform this year? It’s not too late, but there is also no time to waste. Feeling discouraged isn’t a sign that you can’t succeed, but that you need a different approach. You can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. The key is to change how you think.
Change your perspective
Chances are, you’re stuck in a loop and keep thinking the same thoughts over and over. You may want things that appear impossible or seem to include elements that are mutually exclusive. Your mind is more focused on limitations and fears than creativity and problem solving. To think new thoughts, start by questioning all of your assumptions.
Whether you’re thinking “I can’t get a promotion here and I can’t move because of my family” or “It’s not possible to have a good relationship with my supervisor” or “There is too much work and I can’t ever catch up” it’s time to open your mind to alternatives and nuances. Situations are rarely this black and white and there are more options than we think.
You need to change the story you’re telling yourself to open your mind to new ideas. Change your “I can’t… because…” into “There must be a way; how can I…?” If you find this difficult to do on your own, please reach out to me and I will make the process easy for you.
Face your fears
Sometimes we get discouraged not because we don’t believe we can succeed, but because we’re afraid of what we may have to do, or what may happen. If you don’t face your fears, they will control you forever. The only way to free yourself is to face them. Once you start doing what you find intimidating, you will build more confidence and competence. Please understand that taking small steps outside your comfort zone is safe, and that’s how you will expand your comfort zone and become capable of much more than you can even imagine now.
So, think for a minute, what is stopping you? Are you afraid of what you’ll have to do differently? Are you afraid of effort, or failure, or both? Is it the unknown that worries you? Do you think you need predictability and certainty before you start something new?
Again, I know this is tough to do alone, but this blog is meant to plant a seed in your mind and give you the courage and enthusiasm you need right now. Feeling discouraged or stuck is a horrible state of being. I want to help you transform your mindset and believe in yourself and your future, so let’s talk sooner than later.
Picture your future
Don’t ever give up on what you want only because you don’t know how to make it happen. You don’t need to know what to do at every step, every day, for the rest of your life. You just need to know what first few steps to take now, and you’ll keep learning more as you move forward. Trust yourself, trust the process, and trust in your future.
You can’t settle for less than you desire and let fear stop you from pursuing what you’re secretly dreaming of doing. A life filled with regret and resentment would be a self-inflicted tragedy. Whatever pain, frustration, and unmet needs you feel now will keep growing until you change.
Picture the future you want to create. Imagine the best-case scenario. Then ask yourself, how could this be even better? You see, people who have big dreams and big goals find more motivation, more inspiration, more meaning, and better follow-through than those who only seek a mild improvement to their situation. Make your vision of the future so compelling that you are filled with excitement and can hardly wait to start!
What’s your homework?
When you look at obstacles, you probably see circumstances that seem to be the issue, but focusing on what you cannot control will make you feel powerless. When you feel self-empowered, you hardly notice external factors because you know you can handle them.
If your mind is too preoccupied with limiting beliefs and too much attention being given to obstacles, it means a part of you is looking for reasons to fail or to give up. The real source of your pain may be related to deeper feelings such as not being good enough, not deserving, being afraid of standing out or upsetting other people, and so much more.
Don’t stay stuck. Schedule a call with me and we’ll discuss how I can help you finally get the progress and success you desire! Dream bigger and live fully!
About the author: Dr. Audrey Reille has empowered thousands of professionals through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, speaking engagements, and online courses. Audrey is the go-to coach for leaders in higher education administration. She empowers them to thrive by reducing stress, optimizing strategies, improving professional relationships, and developing a strong and empowered mindset.