The Power of Positivity: What If It All Goes Right?

(Welcome to March, my friend, and our new monthly theme for our classes, workshops and affirmations. This month we are looking at how, just as seasons change, so, too, can our mindsets. This week in particular we are looking at the power of positivity and how we can learn to be more optimistic in our lives, which is a perfect segue into today's article. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it helps you in your day today.)

I have a secret.

I finished (and passed!) my Behaviour Change Specialist certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, one of a handful of courses I've done with them, and really enjoyed over the years.

Ok, so, that wasn't really the secret - I've told many students I was doing it and was excited about it and enjoying the course immensely.

I love what I learn, and I love being able to put knowledge into practice within the HealthGirl community and my personal life.

The secret is that I didn't think I'd be able to do it.

I have anxiety, ADHD and PTSD, and part of that comes out in full force during exams, tests, quizzes, or anything that requires I 'prove' the knowledge that I've gained in a test-like format. I also have a hard time with self-esteem, as so many of us do.

Want to ask me questions about how to help yourself stay consistent or make goals?

Not a problem, I'll talk your ear off.

But if you ask me to sit down and take a test?

Yikes. I'd rather curl up in a corner and pretend I don't exist.

So, then, how did I do it? How do I do any of these things that require a lot of focus and effort and make me scared, which is, you know, everything when running a business of your own? Here are a few things that I find help me, and might help you:

First, I have to acknowledge that I have a very supportive husband (and, no, you can't have him, you'll have to find your own!). In all seriousness, though, having a supportive friend, partner or family member makes all the difference.

Second, I acknowledge that I have these challenges in my brain. When I face them, I can start to come up with ways to manage them. This helps me feel more in control and use problem-solving to find constructive ways to deal with the challenges, rather than dissolving into a sweaty, flustered, crying ball of anxiety, which inevitably leads to circular and negative thinking (I can't do this, why did I ever think I could do this? I am a failure, etc. - Oh, trust me, I can be an expert at tearing myself down, so if you relate, you are not the only one).

Third, I use positive statements, such as, "I've done things like this before, I can do them again." Or, "I know this is hard, but I can figure out a way to do this." Or my personal favourite, "Why not me? If others have done it, if others are doing it, why can't I?" Which is related to, "What if it all goes right?"

The reality is quite simple: other people have done this, and are doing this every day. Whether they share the same struggles as you and I, or have none, or have more (it's not a competition, by the way, all of your struggles are just as valid as anyone else's), people are figuring out ways to do things that we are also figuring out.

And that is ok.

I don't normally toot my own horn, but I'm going to take a second here and do it because this is the fourth way I help myself: I honour my accomplishments, both big and small, so:

TOOT TOOT! I did it! *cue the imaginary confetti*

That feels better.

If you are trying to do something, perhaps putting it off because you are worried you can't, remember a few things:

1. Done is better than perfect. Just finishing something will give you a mood boost.

2. Understand that it's ok if you don't succeed the first time, that doesn't make you less worthy, it makes you brave for getting back up and trying again.

3. Take a few deep breaths, square your shoulders and ask yourself, "What if it all goes right?" For so many people, things DO go right, and if you're living in this world with them, why can't things also go right for you?

4. Remember the power of positivity and optimism: If you say you can't, you won't. But if you allow yourself the possibility of success, you've increased your chances of succeeding a thousand-fold. Repeat, "Why not me? If others have succeeded, maybe I can too!"

5. Celebrate Every. Single. Success. Large or small, celebrate it. You are worth it!

So tell me, what have you accomplished lately that you will celebrate, and what is something you are going to be working towards that you will now tell yourself is possible?

I hope you have a wonderful week, I'm cheering you on every step of the way!
Meg