When I get discouraged, it feels like I’m getting hit by a truck on a bicycle.
And, having had this happen to me before (true story), I’m not exaggerating.
Unexpected things come out of the blue.
Even if you’re trying to maintain control,something pushes you off course.
It can feel like everything is falling apart, or like you’re flying through the air, flailing your arms without control.
But this is where your mindset matters and your mindset habits matter.
Decide ahead of time what you will do when you are discouraged.
Discouragement is part of the pathway to success.
It’s one of the costs of admission to your wildest dreams.
When it comes time to pay the price though, your brain always wants to believe that something has gone wrong.
I have good news: nothing has gone wrong.
Discouragement won’t last forever.
It’s an emotion that will pass, and the more open to actually feeling it, the more quickly it will pass and leave you alone. You can endure this emotional wreckage that tries to sweep you up and away from staying on course for your dreams by deciding to think on purpose.
Here are two primary things I do to think on purpose when my emotions are out of control:
1. I encourage myself with specific power thoughts. (See below for examples)
2. I list out how I am winning, even if the outcomes aren’t what I want.
When faced with difficult times, it can be hard to stay motivated. You may start feeling overwhelmed and at a loss for what to do next. It’s normal to feel discouraged when your goals seem out of reach or you don’t have anyone around to discuss things with – but despair is not the answer! Try these “power thoughts” on for size in your brain…
Power Thoughts that Keep Me Encouraged:
Everything is still working.
This is what perseverance feels like
I’m proud of how I have shown up and continue to show up.
There is no such thing as wasted effort.
I needed these challenges for a lesson that will grow me.
This is just a pivot, and I can pivot all day long.
Nothing will keep me from continuing with confidence.
I have the courage to keep going.
Today, my job is just to do my best – and I’ve done that, and that’s enough.
This is part of the process, and I accept it so that I can learn from it.
Tomorrow I will feel encouraged again, everyday is a new beginning and fresh start.
My future is filled with possibilities – this is just a little hiccup.
I am doing better than I think I am.
To help yourself feel like you’re winning, or that you’re doing a better job than it feels like at the moment in the fog of discouragement, write down what you are doing. It’s critical that you take note of the effort and consistent action you are making. Even if you’re experiencing failure or things aren’t going the way you want, you’ll see that you have plenty to be proud of in how you are showing up.
Remember this: facing discouragement is a difficult and normal part of life. When feeling discouraged, it can be easy to stay stuck in a negative mindset, but it is important to stay motivated and find ways to stay present in the moment. One great way to do this is through journaling. Writing down thoughts and feelings can be a cathartic experience that helps you gain control over the emotions of being discouraged and puts you back on track in the present. Keeping a journal also gives you a space to look back at how far you’ve come – something which can be extremely inspiring, providing much needed encouragement in difficult times.
Don’t let discouragement overtake you! Take a deep breath, slow down and pay attention to the discouraging thoughts that your mind is generating. Give yourself the time and space to reframe them (which just means that you talk back to them). Remind yourself that no matter how long it takes, those feelings of discouragement will pass.
It’s natural to become discouraged in the face of challenge; but try your best to remember why you started in the first place! You have the mental power inside of you to push through difficult times and persevere. Make sure that whatever it takes – writing down your thoughts, utilizing positive affirmations or talking with friends – you give yourself permission to turn discouragement into motivation. For an added boost of encouragement, check out The Confidence Podcast for weekly interviews with inspiring individuals.
You’ll also enjoy the REPLAY INSTANT ACCESS to the popular masterclass I recently taught. Watch the replay (and get the workbook) for “How to Stay Motivated, No Matter What” by clicking here. It will give you a boost of massive encouragement, I promise!
I hope this encourages you as much as it encouraged me just to write it.
xoxo
Trish
PS: Click here to start taking the training of your thoughts more seriously. I’ll teach you every step of the way in my mentorship program, the College of Confidence.
PPS: Click here to listen to one of our most popular podcasts on discouragement, How to Trust that What You are Doing is Working, episode #494