You Can Only Do What You Believe You Can Do: Moving Forward with Confidence

We all experience roadblocks, or times when we are stagnant and unable to move forward. Sometimes it’s physical – for instance, health issues, lagging energy levels, or insomnia may be holding you back. Other times its emotional – mental fatigue or exhaustion, lack of motivation, doubt, or lack of confidence in your abilities. Maybe you are paralyzed by uncertainty. These feelings can be difficult to deal with; however, if you want to be successful, it is imperative for you to learn to overcome these barriers.

Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind as you look for the motivation to move forward:

• Take charge. If health issues are holding you back, make the appointments necessary to get back on track. Although you may not get the answers you are looking for, just having a better idea of what is happening with your health can help propel you into action.
• Consider the cost of inaction. This is also called opportunity cost. When you make a decision, you are ultimately giving something up. For instance, if you choose to stay in a job where you are unhappy, you lose the chance to pursue other job opportunities that could make you happier and more fulfilled.
• Ask for what you need. If you are emotionally drained, or your motivation is lacking, seek guidance from someone you trust, a family member, a friend, a supervisor. Maybe you need a day off to rejuvenate your energy, reassurance you are the perfect fit for your position, or sometimes all you need is to voice your concerns to help you find your way forward.
• Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone. Sometimes we take the path of least resistance because it is easier than risking the discomfort of something new or unknown. However, se risk a life of mediocrity and dissatisfaction if we don’t take a chance and pursue our dreams.
• Start somewhere, take baby steps if you must. If change is hard for you, looking at the end-result can be overwhelming. Rather take small steps to get there. For instance, if you want to run a marathon, but haven’t run more than a mile in years, you must put a plan in place to achieve your goal. You can use this strategy for any change – career, relationship, education – to make it more attainable to reach your goal.
• Consider the absolute worst thing that could happen. Scrutinize this scenario and determine if it warrants the fear it is causing. For instance, what can happen if you quit your job, leave your relationship, or move across the country? When you take a hard look at the worst-case scenario, you can assess the alternatives, prepare yourself for different possible outcomes, and choose how to move forward wisely.

What is the greatest obstacle that stands in your way as you move forward toward the future?