Anxiety
Who has not felt anxious about something? A job interview, going to the doctor, starting a new job, going to a social gathering, first date. But I’m not talking about every day, run of the mill anxiety. Nope, I’m talking about anxiety that gets in the way of furthering your career, forming relationships, making a change, making a decision. The thing about anxiety is that ignoring those feelings or pretending it isn’t there is almost a sure-fire way of getting caught in a very messy web.
The cool thing about anxiety Is how really similar It Is to excitement! Whether we feel anxious or excited, they are both about anticipation. We have the same experiences in our body. Our respiration, pulse, and heart rate go up. We may get flushed and feel a change in body temperature. Truly, the only difference between anxiety and excitement is the thought that accompanies the body feelings! “OMG, I have to pass this damn test or else!” OR, “OMG, I can’t wait to show how much I know!” It is the thought that gives the meaning to those body feelings, and YOU simply get to choose how you think about things that are upcoming.
Please note, I said it was simple, but I did not say it was easy. Usually, there are years and years of practicing our habitual thoughts, and it takes deliberate practice to take in the change and own the new thoughts. Again, simple, not easy, but absolutely doable! For more information, check out this link..
Who has not felt anxious about something? A job interview, going to the doctor, starting a new job, going to a social gathering, first date. But I’m not talking about every day, run of the mill anxiety. Nope, I’m talking about anxiety that gets in the way of furthering your career, forming relationships, making a change, making a decision. The thing about anxiety is that ignoring those feelings or pretending it isn’t there is almost a sure-fire way of getting caught in a very messy web.
The cool thing about anxiety Is how really similar It Is to excitement! Whether we feel anxious or excited, they are both about anticipation. We have the same experiences in our body. Our respiration, pulse, and heart rate go up. We may get flushed and feel a change in body temperature. Truly, the only difference between anxiety and excitement is the thought that accompanies the body feelings! “OMG, I have to pass this damn test or else!” OR, “OMG, I can’t wait to show how much I know!” It is the thought that gives the meaning to those body feelings, and YOU simply get to choose how you think about things that are upcoming.
Please note, I said it was simple, but I did not say it was easy. Usually, there are years and years of practicing our habitual thoughts, and it takes deliberate practice to take in the change and own the new thoughts. Again, simple, not easy, but absolutely doable! For more information, check out this link..
Self-Confidence
I’m certain that you can identify people you know or have observed who appear confident. You probably see erect posture, an expansive stance, available eye contact, clear and audible speech, and certainty in their statements and behavior, but what is confidence? Confidence is belief, trust, and appreciation about one’s own mastery, capacity, skills, ideas, and abilities. Piece of cake, right? Not for most people. Actually, it is easier to appear confident without actually feeling it. That’s okay because sometimes we work from the inside out and sometimes from the outside in.
We can explore how our bodies manifest our feelings about ourselves. How do you feel hunched over with your hair covering your eyes? Now, how do you feel standing tall, with your chin raised, eyes forward, feet firmly planted, and your hands on your hips? Changing the posture can help to change the feeling you’ve come to adopt about yourself. What do you prefer, self-doubting, timid, and insecure OR cool, confident, and self-assured? Getting there isn’t magic though. Simple, but not easy. Check out this TED talk about power posing.
I’m certain that you can identify people you know or have observed who appear confident. You probably see erect posture, an expansive stance, available eye contact, clear and audible speech, and certainty in their statements and behavior, but what is confidence? Confidence is belief, trust, and appreciation about one’s own mastery, capacity, skills, ideas, and abilities. Piece of cake, right? Not for most people. Actually, it is easier to appear confident without actually feeling it. That’s okay because sometimes we work from the inside out and sometimes from the outside in.
We can explore how our bodies manifest our feelings about ourselves. How do you feel hunched over with your hair covering your eyes? Now, how do you feel standing tall, with your chin raised, eyes forward, feet firmly planted, and your hands on your hips? Changing the posture can help to change the feeling you’ve come to adopt about yourself. What do you prefer, self-doubting, timid, and insecure OR cool, confident, and self-assured? Getting there isn’t magic though. Simple, but not easy. Check out this TED talk about power posing.