Can’t Do It Overwhelm

I’ve had some "Can’t Do It" Overwhelm popping up lately.  I’m learning lots of new skills that I’ve never attempted learning before. 

I know for sure that I can usually talk myself through intimidating things….so why do I just forget sometimes that I know how to talk to myself???

I want to remind you (and me!) that we can use the same skills we already know to push through fear, when we really need to….whether we’re learning new computer skills, changing jobs, navigating a new place, or attempting anything else that’s new to us.

 Here’s a little secret, up front…..

You have to talk to yourself!  Ideally, this would be in private, with no one listening, except maybe your cat or dog….They understand completely.

 Here’s What to Ask Yourself & What to Answer :

 Q:  Am I smart enough to do this?

• I know Lucy can do it

• I think I’m probably as capable of learning this as Lucy is
  

• Lots of people manage to learn, do, or accomplish this

• I know how to get answers if I need them

• If I were really incapable, I wouldn’t be attempting this

Q:  What else have I attempted, that compares to this, and succeeded?

• I’ve learned to do things on the computer, DVR, and camera that I never dreamed I could do

• I can concentrate and follow directions

• I feel good about myself when I conquer something new

• Nobody knows how to do it until they do it                                      

Q:  How can I get support?

• What online, phone, or live help is available?

• Who can show me the first step, or the first and second, or all the steps?

• Can I trade skill trainings with a friend, or bribe a teenager to show me how to do it?       

Q:  What am I confused about?

• Do I know what I actually want to do?

• Do I have all the instructions I need?

• Would questions answered make a difference?

• Am I afraid of looking dumb?                                                                                                   

Q:  How can I move in the direction? 

• What one action can I take to start the process moving?

• I’ll start the process by myself, and get help when I need it

• What’s my first step?                                                   

All of us have a fear of failure, a fear of not good enough, not smart enough, not skilled enough, not capable enough.…these are fears that are natural to all of us. 

People who accomplish amazing things have the ability to motivate themselves to keep trying, and to persist until they are absolutely sure they can’t accomplish a difficult task. Even then, people who go on to do great things, push through fear, and continue….or they find help to do what they want to do. Becoming one of these people is a matter of building an attitude of persistence and faith in oneself, knowing that the worst case scenario may just be getting help if you can’t do it alone…..

• Fear can’t exist where Faith is present. 

It’s OK to fail, especially if we learn something in the process, and if we continue trying. A new attitude is built on pushing past the fear, whatever it is based in, and continuing to a point of accomplishment, or pride in oneself, for giving it our best.

Don’t let the big F word stop you….. Frustration can create overwhelm that stops you, and it can cover up the other F word…..Fear!

Talk your way through whatever it is that’s keeping you stuck!  The dog will never tell!

Joy & Blessings,  Carole  xx                                                             

Tagged as: faith, fear, Overwhelm