.png)
You will have tough times. The world is always a challenging place. Things can always go wrong; you could fight with your partner, an accident could happen, or you could lose someone close to you etc.
Whether the issue you face is large or small, your reaction or response determines how your behaviour is impacted. If you can implement positive but rational ideas, this can help you to cope better. If you can see the positives, the issues do not seem so daunting, and you will find it easier to navigate these difficult times.
So, how do you stay on top of your thoughts and emotions when faced with difficult challenges:
Change Your Self-Talk
When you are working through tough times, this can be when your self-talk is most damaging. Whilst you have found ways not to show your true feelings or even not to voice them, it does not mean you do not have to deal with them internally. You begin to put doubts and criticisms into your mind. For example- I can’t do this, I am not good enough, what do I know, and why should they listen to me?
Instead, try saying I can do this; I am good enough, knowledgeable about my subject, and have the answers and strategy they seek. Not only will this turn negative thoughts into positive ones it helps to improve your self-esteem as you start to believe how good and knowledgeable you are.
Build the right support network!
It is almost impossible to face all obstacles or challenges alone. Therefore, having the right people around you. Ensure they are people who have the ability and experience to push when we needed but will also have your back during these difficult times. Humans are not solitary beings, so why would you try to do everything alone? Lose the pride and fear and seek out the people you know will be right for you.
Forgive Yourself
This is so important to get right. Would you speak to others the way you speak to yourself in your own mind, would you be so harsh, so critical and even so rude? I hope the answer is no; you want not to treat anyone else that way, so why do it to yourself? Give yourself a break from all the long hours, missing out so much, and making mistakes. Forgive yourself for just being human. You are doing all these things with the right intention, and when you have the right people around you and implement the correct strategies, all of these negatives will change.
Gratitude
When things are tough, you find it difficult to see anything you can be grateful for; that is where your support network can be most valuable. Utilise them by asking what they see as your achievements recently. Take any constructive criticism as that; it is not a personal attack but a way to enable you to improve and have more things to be grateful for. Take the positives they give you and feel grateful for your achievements. You can even allow a little or large celebration when you realise you have achieved more than you thought. Celebrating even your small wins helps make those positive thoughts a lot easier to come to your mind. Remember to show gratitude to all of those who are there for you and who give their advice and support.
Get Moving
This does not mean you must exercise strenuously or be in the gym daily. What it does mean is it is better to activate your body which in turn helps to stimulate your mind, and this helps you to overcome those pesky negative thoughts. It could be as simple as walking, running, light exercising, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, etc. There are so many choices. Google a variety and try them. Have a go at several, as you may find it might be a combination of them rather than one specific one that suits you. You may even make friends or find others in a similar situation with whom you can share experiences. This is beneficial as when you talk about your situation, and you will find it easier to deal with your tough times than bottling them up and trying to batter through them on your own.
Go and try these ideas, and if you have any of your own, let me know, and I will use them in a future blog or post.
If you need any help implementing these or you feel overwhelmed or burnt out, contact me, and we will arrange a free initial chat and discuss the best way to get you back on track and moving forward to the goals you seek.
Tony Gordon
www.changingyourmindltd.com
tonygordon@changingyourmindltd.com
https://linktr.ee/acdg1
I am a certified wellbeing practitioner and coach, helping my clients achieve their personal and professional goals. The essence of my work is to facilitate self-growth by helping you identify the core challenges and obstacles in your life, so that you can overcome them with confidence. I specialise in creating personalised plans and providing tools to guide you forward to achieve your desired goals.
