Negative thinking often begins with the unrealistic expectations that the path should be clear for whatever you’re trying to accomplish. When things go wrong, this doesn’t need to reaffirm the idea that you’re no good at anything. Instead of dreading failure, look forward to it as an opportunity to learn.
Name specific ways that you can work to grow. Do you have access to professional help? Can you take courses or get training to make your strengths stand out and overcome your weaknesses?
Take each challenge as a signal that you are working toward something worthwhile. Use setbacks as a chance to hone your skills rather than seeing them as a sign that you are no good. Decide to do this ahead of time – don’t waver no matter how you’re feeling.
Gaining perspective in your life is an important exercise that you must purposefully develop. By experiencing other peoples’ perspectives, speaking with older relatives and volunteering, you can start to get a more rounded view of the world in which you live.
Volunteering is unique in that it gives you a very pure opportunity to connect with people that you may never have met otherwise. You can learn about yourself through relationships you never would have forged if you hadn’t volunteered your time. “Giving back” reaps perspective.
If you feel a flash of fear about an upcoming deadline or event, make it an opportunity to make a plan of action to get fully prepared, whether that means getting started on a paper, rehearsing for a play or practicing a speech.
Fear can be used as a tool to help us identify problems and solve them effectively. It’s a guidepost that warns us when something needs attention. Once the discomfort of the initial wave of fear passes, examine it more closely to see what you can learn.
Don’t let a bad situation affect the outcomes of other things during the rest of your day. Any ‘bad day’ can be put ‘right’ if you decide to.
Consider regret as an opportunity to learn. Accept your mistakes and ask yourself what you could have done differently. Think about what causes you to do things that you regret and work on changing that behaviour.
Ask lots of questions when doing an apprenticeship. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn from years of experience from the experts.