by Kim Jackson of Peace, Love and Pretty Things
A question we often ask of the women who participate in our GEMS features is, “How do you overcome moments of fear or doubt?” These are feelings that many of us have from time to time and it’s important to have a solid plan for dealing with them. When you experience moments of utter confusion or doubt; feel discouraged or uninspired; or start to doubt your purpose; there are a few things you can do to help bring you back to a place of positivity:
1. Make a List – Make a list of your personal and professional attributes, of the reasons why you’re pursuing your goal, or of pros and cons related to a particular course of action. Just make it something that helps you to feel productive, and that you can act upon later.
2. Read Something That Inspires You – Whether it’s your favorite book, your favorite blog or an article in the New York Times that is related to your industry, read it. Keep in mind that researching and staying abreast of what’s happening in your area of expertise is an important part of fully participating in it, and this is often the easiest way to garner motivation.
3. Listen to Uplifting Things – Podcasts are great to play while you’re getting ready in the morning, or cleaning. They fill that quiet space around your thoughts with positive reinforcement. I created a “positive perceptions” playlist on my iPod that is set with songs that are inspiring or even just fun! Like Mary J. Blige “Work that” and Jill Scott “Golden”. The words and the music of both are sassy and uplifting.
4. Express Gratitude – You’re going to feel better if you focus on the things you DO have, rather than if you focus on what you are lacking—that’s a no-brainer. So express gratitude for things that you do have, and that you are sure of and watch that energy attract more abundance.
5. Be Patient With Yourself – Life is all about ups and downs and ebb and flow and we have to embrace both. You can’t appreciate the light without feeling your way through the dark.
6. Get Some Rest – I find that my most negative thoughts arise when I’m tired because I’m cranky. The outlook just always seems dim through my slumber-deprived haze. But once I rest and recharge, everything looks just a little bit brighter.
Everyone has their own little tips and tricks for dealing with these crippling moments. What are some of yours?
loving the site and its my 1st day visiting…so motivational and uplifting..soaking it all up one coil at a time =).
All the activities in this post are, for me, very necessary. I have even made a habit of taking time to seek inspiration at least a few times each week. Sometimes we get so caught up in our routines that we forget: There's More.
Peace
YouTube.com/Pennyfrmheaven
I'd also like to add in addition to listening to uplifting things, to be careful what you take it in as a whole and turn OFF the TV. There are so many negative TV shows depicting women arguing, fighting and hating one another. Who needs to add that type of drama into their lives? I had to stop taking in those types of images and negative energy and found more positive, uplifting ways to spend spare time.
Make a commercial! We're so bombarded with t.v. commercials that try to sell us this and that. I've decided to make a commercial to sell myself TO myself. It's nothing that I actually film, but rather a typed "commercial" that has a positive message. It's kind of like a pep talk, but instead I call it a commercial. In it,I've described things I'm grateful for, my accomplishments, and positive attributes.
Anytime I feel down or doubt myself, I read the commercial for a pick me up.
Thanks for posting this both of you. I really needed it.
Peace, Love and Chocolate,
Tiffany