Everyone has skills or a certain level of knowledge in one area or another. However, we often do not really perceive it ourselves and therefore do not dare to put our dreams into practice.
The awareness of these things helps to empower ourselves and thereby become more self-confident. Because life is full of decisions that open up new possibilities for us. Often we just stand in our own way, are our own biggest critic and don’t believe in what we can do. In order to change that and to find our personal way, we have to learn the right strategies. Because until we can acquire something new, it usually takes several decisions that we should tackle bit by bit. These 10 tips can help you stay focused.
1. The power of choice
It’s pretty obvious, but big changes start with a first step. However, the big step towards the goal can often only be achieved with many other small steps that build on one another. Not all goals can be accomplished in one day. Sometimes it takes several days, sometimes weeks, months or even years. We should therefore always be aware of the time frame and be realistic. Just one percent change can make a big difference on the way to your personal goal. Imagine your path as a ladder that you climb hand by hand and foot by foot. If you try to reach all the rungs at the same time, you will only fall down. So always think about the first small step first and not immediately about the last one.
2. Change your mindset
Many of us don’t do something that we would like to do. The reason? Mostly that we don’t believe in ourselves. According to the motto: I can’t do it anyway, so I’d better let it be. The way you see yourself can get in the way of many things and affect the decisions you make. If instead of “I can’t do this” you say “I can do it not yet” change can make a difference. The walls you’ve built for yourself will shrink or even collapse. This simple trick shows you what goal you’re working towards and that with enough practice, you can make it happen – just in At this point it’s not that far yet. Whether you make it depends on whether you invest enough time – and: whether it is worth this time to you personally. And by the way: Mistakes are just as much a part of this path. After that it’s time then learn from those mistakes as well as from the successes.
3. Show perseverance
If it isn’t clear from the previous point, then now: In some cases, we simply have to persevere and clench our teeth in order to achieve our goal. If we make it to the final after a long period of preparation, that makes us proud and empowers us. With dreams that are important to us, we often have this drive that keeps us on target, quite automatically. Because if we are convinced of a goal, then the effort is worthwhile for us. That’s why we stick with it, even in difficult times. And what helps us to persevere? The idea that with hard work and practice things will get better bit by bit – always with the goal in mind.
4. Be thankful for yourself and others
Gratitude is one of the strategies that research has shown makes us happy. Because even weak positive emotions can help us feel better. And being thankful isn’t necessarily hard or easy to learn. A start: thanking yourself for your work or being grateful for what you have achieved. Maybe you just start with five things that you are grateful for today and try to feel the positive effects on your mood.
5. The little things
This point doesn’t have to have anything to do with the goal you’ve set for yourself. It can be the flowers in front of the window, the bird family in the tree or the delicious coffee or tea, for which you simply treat yourself to a little break. When you’re stuck, these moments can be little nuggets of gold for your soul. Because if we bite too hard, we often lose the desire and the drive. Small breaks are therefore important for your personal well-being.
6. Socialize
Just like small moments just for you, small moments with others can help you feel better. Talking to someone else about something else can lower your stress levels and positively influence your emotions. Or: If you want to stick your head in the sand, friends can help you to see more clearly again. Namely what you have already achieved. It is therefore a good idea to regularly exchange views on how you are doing and what news there is in achieving your goal. The blockade is usually just a small moment in the big picture.
7. Find your own strengths
The good thing about this point: Strengths can be learned and developed. Are there things that you are already good at or that you particularly enjoy doing? Maybe you are not really aware of this yet, but there are an incredible number of strengths. Friends can also provide exciting input here. Some things are more obvious: for example someone is good at drawing, playing the guitar, speaking in front of other people or calming other people down. All of these can be strengths of your character. The VIA Institute on Character also identified 24 common character strengths in 2004. These include, for example, creativity, curiosity, courage, honesty, humor or teamwork.
8. A break from thoughts
We want to achieve a goal, but should remain calm? Yes, please. Because if we think too much about our goal, the thought of it eventually stresses us out and we can no longer see the next step clearly. So every once in a while, take the time to relax your brain and think about nothing. For example, pay attention to your breathing or focus on a background noise around you.
9. Compassion for yourself and others
Empower yourself by being kind to yourself and also showing compassion for yourself. It’s ok if the goal just gets too much. It’s ok to want a break and it’s ok to get help because your head isn’t thinking clearly. Reacting with kindness to both yourself and others helps you accept yourself and others. Compassion for yourself also helps you to combine your strengths with loving yourself. It doesn’t always have to go really well, it can sometimes go badly – and that doesn’t mean that your strength isn’t really your strength.
10. The goal in sight and towards it
We often tend to lose sight of our primary goal and take unnecessary steps along the way. But we can prevent that with clear, realistic and meaningful goals that we work towards. This in turn helps to increase your empowerment and make you feel better. Even small goals can make a positive impact. For example, have you always wanted to learn how to make your favorite meal from that one restaurant? Don’t google the ONE dream recipe for hours, try your way through three or four and find out for yourself which spices work for you. Or have you always wanted to upcycle your old dresser and just need a first nudge? Sometimes the best way is to just grab the sandpaper. Step by step to the goal. Approach your goal slowly and notice how empowered you feel with each step.