Consider the paradox that is the human mind. Humans have the ability to create and dream. To spin infinite realities in their minds. Yet that same brain that impacts how big we dream is often the very thing that sabotages those dreams. If you could do anything for work, what would it be? I mean anything? It might be that thing that your 10 year old self inspired to be. Or something new may have caught your eye as you matured in your career. What do you want to do next?! OK - write it down. Look at it. And pause for a moment. Now, I dare you to push yourself to dream bigger…. unapologetically prioritize your desires, needs, and dreams as you consider this next move. What does that look like? Write it down. What is your brain doing right now? Is it mocking this idea? Is it telling you all of the reasons why you can do this thing? Is it reminding you of the time you tried (and failed) to do this thing? Maybe you are committed to doing this thing and have already started the transition to doing it. But progress has been slow…really slow. You know you are capable of achieving big things, but somehow you can’t seem to get there. Here are 5 common traps that may have you in their grasp. The Comfort Zone Trap Shaking up the status quo on the way to doing big things is HARD. And when we deviate from the ‘norm,’ our brain is going to let us know. It generates all of the anxiety and fear - of financial insecurity, the unknown, of judgment, failure, and just plain old discomfort. When we cling to what is ‘safe,’ prioritizing short-term comfort, we stay stagnant, sacrifice long-term fulfillment and sometimes even financial security. Escape the Trap: Do hard things on a regular basis. Show your brain who is boss. What are you going to do today to step out of your comfort zone? The Perfectionism Paradox When we leap into the unknown of going after a big dream – there are going to be a lot of things that we have to learn along the way. Are you stuck at the start line because of a need to develop a flawless plan before you even start? This delays action and prolongs dissatisfaction in their current situation. Escape the Trap: Start taking steps, you can course correct along the way. Surround yourself with people who have done or are doing similar things. Learn from their mistakes and accelerate your progress. The 'Can't Let Them Down' Cycle Are you prioritizing other people’s needs before your own? Do you tell yourself “If I leave, everything will fall apart. They rely on me - I can’t just abandon them? It would be selfish for me to say out loud - I want to make a lot of money! I want people to like me.” It is time to stop carrying the burden of feeling indispensable to an employer, your family, or anyone else. You deserve this girl. Go get it! Escape the Trap: Being helpful does not have to equal sacrificing your dreams. Empower others to be capable and move on. Isn't it about time that you built your own dream instead of someone else's? Imposter Syndrome Loop You feel excited in a way that you have not felt in a long time. “It is just perfect.” This job listing is at your dream company. It is a title you have held before. You are ready to apply, but then you read down further. “Oh I don’t have that skill. I’ve never worked on that platform. I’ve never managed a budget that big!” Before long you have convinced yourself that you are not good enough or qualified enough to even apply! “Who am I to think I can do this?” Take bold steps toward your next big thing and remember whether you believe you can or you believe you cannot, you are right. Escape the Trap: Focus on the things that you CAN do. Know that you will upskill along the way, connect with a mentor, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. The Overwhelm Overload The dream is right there, you can almost touch it. You can see the steps. ALL of them. The plan comes together and you start making lists. One task leads to another and another - suddenly the plan has expanded. And soon you find yourself so far in the weeds – it is too much. “I can’t do all of this. What if I do all of this and still fail?” Your brain is trying to protect you - this is uncomfortable. It fights back by ensnaring you in the other traps! Anyone would feel overwhelmed. Escape the Trap: Take one step at a time. One day at a time. When hit with additional inspiration, put a pin in it. Focus on the plan. Be realistic about your timeline and ditch the perfectionism. Does this step need 110% effort, or can it just be done… When we dare to unapologetically prioritize our desires, needs, and dreams in our work, our brains push back. Disrupting the status quo sets off alarm bells. And your brain is going to scream at you with doubts, fears, excuses. It thinks that it is keeping you safe. Safe and stuck! Recognizing these traps is the first step to realizing your big dreams. Would you like to arm yourself with tools that build the mental resilience to not only get you through tough things, but result in sustained change so that you can do even bigger things next time? If you’re ready to strengthen your mental fitness, crush those traps and self-sabotage, and move forward with confidence, I invite you to join one of my upcoming mental fitness cohorts. Stand by other women who, like you, are determined to do big things in their lives—and together, we’ll learn to live life on your own terms while leaving a lasting legacy to inspire future generations. I invite you to join me at my upcoming summit where you can: Learn proven strategies to overcome self-sabotage and build resilience Learn actionable techniques to boost emotional intelligence and leadership skills Build sustainable habits to eliminate burnout and achieve work-life balance Don't miss this opportunity to transform your life and career in 2025! Secure your spot now and get ready to make 2025 your best year yet! January 28, 29, 30th, 2025 Same time each day: Noon PT/1:00 p.m. MT/2:00 p.m. CT/3:00 p.m. ET Grab your seat here: https://www.pqamplified.com/empower
1 Comment
|
Details
Archives
January 2025
Categories |