What to do when it feels like one step forward and two steps back?
First of all we need to encourage some space around our mindset. It’s so easy to fall into tramlined patterns of negative thinking. It’s not about avoiding difficult realities but making sure that our habitual thinking doesn’t automatically add to our feeling worse.
Then we need a healthy honesty and ask ourselves; “Given what we are facing right now, where can I make a difference and where can’t I?” It’s an understandable reflex to focus on what can’t be done and worry about that. Learning instead to shift our attention to face towards what can be done, where we can make a difference even if it’s small or seemingly insignificant, helps us move forward.
When we find ourselves anxious or low it is really important to challenge the harsh inner commentary and critic and invite in a kinder and more forgiving voice. It’s not easy, but learning this mental agility and softer approach is invaluable.
Recognising that circumstances and fortunes ebb and flow is a hard but helpful reflection. We generally resent change when it disrupts our view of ourselves or our world. We can feel uncomfortable reviewing aspects of our lives that felt certain only to suddenly realise their impermanence.
Our assumptions of continuity and perhaps entitlement are kicked into touch when we see clearly, and although a difficult perspective to take onboard, it can help us shape things differently in the future. Coming to terms with this new reality helps free our mind to think with innovation and creativity, essential qualities for us to adjust and find a surer footing for stepping forward.
First of all we need to encourage some space around our mindset. It’s so easy to fall into tramlined patterns of negative thinking. It’s not about avoiding difficult realities but making sure that our habitual thinking doesn’t automatically add to our feeling worse.
Then we need a healthy honesty and ask ourselves; “Given what we are facing right now, where can I make a difference and where can’t I?” It’s an understandable reflex to focus on what can’t be done and worry about that. Learning instead to shift our attention to face towards what can be done, where we can make a difference even if it’s small or seemingly insignificant, helps us move forward.
When we find ourselves anxious or low it is really important to challenge the harsh inner commentary and critic and invite in a kinder and more forgiving voice. It’s not easy, but learning this mental agility and softer approach is invaluable.
Recognising that circumstances and fortunes ebb and flow is a hard but helpful reflection. We generally resent change when it disrupts our view of ourselves or our world. We can feel uncomfortable reviewing aspects of our lives that felt certain only to suddenly realise their impermanence.
Our assumptions of continuity and perhaps entitlement are kicked into touch when we see clearly, and although a difficult perspective to take onboard, it can help us shape things differently in the future. Coming to terms with this new reality helps free our mind to think with innovation and creativity, essential qualities for us to adjust and find a surer footing for stepping forward.
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