More than anything else, we are the one thing holding us back.
Does this fact startle you? It’s easy to think otherwise. Maybe we were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Luck wasn’t with us. We didn’t have the skills needed. But while excuses are easy to make, are they honest? Is it possible that the reason we weren’t prepared was that we didn’t take advantage of the opportunity or we lacked the skills because we never believed in ourselves in the first place?
When you lack belief, you tend not to put in the effort. Why waste time learning new skills or putting yourself out there if you’re already certain you’re going to fail? This is why your self-belief is so important, and why it’s crucial to do the things needed to boost yourself up rather than spending time tearing yourself down.
Clean Up Your Act
It’s hard to feel good about yourself if you’re not looking the part. Studies have shown there’s a big difference in how we feel when wearing sloppy sweats vs. business casual. Start with keeping up in your physical needs by practicing good hygiene. Then get dressed all the way down to your shoes, even if you’re working from home. You’ll be amazed at how different you feel inside.
Change Your Image
If you were asked to close your eyes and picture yourself, what do you see? If you don’t like the answer, it might be time to change something. Picture the you that you want to be. What can you do in your life that will adjust the image?
Know Yourself
Who are you? It’s time to examine yourself from every angle. Do you see limitations or abilities? If you’re stuck on the things you can’t do, ask yourself how you can change. Discover if the things holding you back are true obstacles or are merely roadblocks. What skills do you need to learn if you want to push yourself further? What can you do to expand your world?
Check Your Values
What are your guiding principles? Are you living in accordance with them? When you’re constantly letting yourself down, it’s hard to feel good about yourself.
Slow Down
Being a chatterbox isn’t always a good thing. In fact, we tend to slow down when we feel like we have something to say that’s worth listening to. Becoming more mindful of what you’re saying becomes a sign you’re feeling better about who you are and what you have to say.
There’s no time like the present. Haven’t you put down yourself long enough? It’s time to discover just how truly wonderful you are.