Give Yourself Some Credit!
Its interesting isn’t it, how we forget to give our selves credit for the experiences we’ve lived or the work we’ve done, assuming that we are simply not enough, or that we do not have the skills and abilities that are needed for something new. Have you ever noticed that? That when you embark on some new learning, you automatically look outside of yourself? Don’t get me wrong, finding new sources of information and new ideas is awesome and needed for our growth. Most definitely, seek out new ideas from others, from books and online. But, what I would like to encourage here is for you to first look inside yourself. I can tell you, that the answers, or at least a good chunk of what you’re looking for is already inside of you.
I was recently reminded of this (again!) while having a conversation with my coach about how to take on a new task. I was looking for a formula to help me through some new processes, and he reminded me that so many of the skills I was looking to learn, I have already identified, created and used in other areas of my life. What felt like a bit of a difficult task quickly had its components fall into place with the reminder of the skills I have, the explanation of some of the new information that was needed, and then finally a friendly reminder of resources I could consult for more support.
It’s so funny that before getting to the end of my coach’s first paragraph, I thought “ahhhh, I have already done this, just in a different way”, and click-click-click, the formula came together in my mind based on that previous experience. Oh, the power of coaching to help us get out of our own way!
Let me ask you…..do you have a new task that you’re looking to take on, but aren’t sure where to begin? Perhaps consider this idea-begin a bit of a journal, or a checklist, or however you like to brainstorm.
Begin by writing down your chosen task across the top. Make it as specific as you can.
What are the things that you already know you’ll need to move forward with this task? Write those down on a “new task” side.
Now, close your eyes and begin to imagine yourself in motion, moving towards achieving this task. What are the other things that are popping up in your mind? That is, those things that you begin to identify as obstacles? And this is important-without judgement, keep adding these to your “new task” list, any new items that you realize you’re going to need some help with. And I say without judgement because so often as we realize we aren’t yet sure how to do something, we begin to feel somehow that this reflects on our worth as a person. Our brain begins to say things like “oh, I am not smart enough to do this”, or “what was I thinking trying to take on this new task”. Repeat after me-“brain, be quiet. I am enough” Remember a thought is just a thought and you choose to give it power, or not.
Now pivot to the other side of your list. Let me ask you, what are the things that you’ve done/experienced in your life? What roles have you played in your professional life? Your family life? Any other roles like volunteering etc. Have you moved houses, changed jobs, started a new relationship? There are a number of yes’ in there. Now begin that second list of all your current skills. I bet that you have a long list of skills and abilities! Customer service, time management, problem solving, organizing just to name a few.
Now put these lists side by side, your “needed for my new task list”, beside your “awesome skills I already have” list. I know you’re beginning to see how so much of what you need, you’ve already got!
What did you discover? What did you think you needed, only to now know it’s already inside you? Like I said on our 5 Minute Shift video last week-you are already awesome, you just need to believe you are!
In kindness and health,
Deanna