Losing weight is one of the toughest things to do. If you’re like me, I’m constantly watching my weight and trying to stay healthy. I try to eat right (most of the time) and exercise just about every day. Several days a week I even walk in the evenings to meet my 10,000 step goal on my Fitbit. Seems like no matter how hard I try sometimes, the weight just doesn’t want to come off, especially as I get older. I get frustrated as I step on that scale and it barely moves from my last weigh-in, if at all. Then, negativity sets in. I go find the ice cream, and the self-deprecating thoughts begin: “I’ll never get the weight off. This is going to take forever.”
Like losing weight, fulfilling your potential as a “rising talent” takes a goal, a plan, strong will, and a can-do mindset. There will be times when it seems to take so long to get to the goals you have set out for yourself. Or, you end up in a job that feels like a detour that will take you to a dead end. Negativity sets in, you go find the ice cream, and the self-deprecating thoughts begin: “I’ll never have the career or income I really want. This is going to take forever.” If you stay in this space, you will spiral down, give up, and never become all that God has in store for you.
How do you keep yourself from getting derailed? How can you live everyday more fulfilled? You have to see the “glass half full” and intentionally work on having a positive mindset to keep you Inspired. Instead of reaching for the ice cream, try these strategies to boost your inspiration:
- Shift your mindset – You can’t get anywhere unless you beat back the self-doubt. This Wall Street Journal article, “Steps to Turn Off the Nagging Self-Doubt in Your Head”, lays out some simple steps to help you reframe your negative thoughts and feel more positive.
- Activate your motivators – Professional motivators are driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors and can be categorized into five important areas (See“FuelForward Chapter 2. Careers: A Mindset” for more information on these):
- Values: What are your values, the character traits that steer your moral compass?
- Vision / Personal Goals & Aspirations: What things are most important in your life? How do you define success, both personally and professionally?
- Having Purpose: What is my life’s work?
- Feeling Valued & Appreciated: Am I contributing to something meaningful?
- Hope for Future Fulfillment: Where do I see myself in the future, both personally and professionally?
Spend time reflecting on these questions to pinpoint your inspiration. Make these visual with pictures and by journaling your thoughts. Be aware that, as your life changes, your motivations and the answers to these questions will evolve over time. So, revisit these periodically. You may need to call on them to help keep you moving forward.
Remember. Your possibilities are limitless! You have to Believe in You!
Talk again soon.
Vivian
Your Career Empowerment Coach
Feel free to contact me with any questions or to schedule a free coaching strategy session at Vivian@vivianblade.com or 502-419-2433.
