How often do you let go completely? In other words, when was the last time you stopped running on that hamster wheel of life and took a real break from the action? It is important to take a break periodically to give yourself a chance to unleash your inner self. It’s not just about passing a quick moment to “stop and smell the roses”, but about hitting the pause button for a period of time.
The problem with doing this is that we have a tendency to unleash our inner critic. It’s bad enough that we’re bombarded 24/7 with negative news and images, so why would we want to focus on negative things about ourselves? Is it because we have too high expectations of others and then feel compelled to be harder on ourselves?
You just have to stop! All this negativity doesn’t help you on your professional journey. Instead, you can actually do the opposite. By constantly berating ourselves, we lose confidence and motivation to take on new opportunities / jobs / promotions. There is also the possibility that your negativity will affect others, including family, friends, and teammates. Negativity is a very powerful emotion, so sometimes it’s hard to let go.
The first way to reverse these thoughts is to have an honest conversation with yourself. Identify the positive attributes you have and write them down. If you have trouble with this exercise, ask others, but it is recommended that you at least try to start it on your own. As you create your list, keep track of how many negative thoughts come to mind. For example, you may have written that you are a good speaker, but as soon as it is written on the paper, you start to think about the little pause you made or a bit of confusion in a sentence in your last presentation. The question is “Did anyone notice?” Probably not! So why are you haranguing yourself?
Keep in mind that nobody is perfect. The media, the shows we watch, and even celebrities seem to portray “perfection,” but that’s not the reality. No lipstick brand, sports car, or multi-million dollar home will make life perfect. Some people liken success to the things you own, the vacations you take, and even, to some extent, the people you seem to be friends with. In reality, these symbols can mask what the person really feels.
For me, the definition of success is happiness. It is holistic in the sense that it should encompass all facets of your life and make you feel fulfilled. During your professional journey, remember that whatever path you take, be kind to yourself, even if the path leads to a dead end. There is always a way to turn around and take another route.
