Hey amazing readers! Coach Jen here, ready to chat about the voice in your head – the one that sometimes whispers (or shouts) doubts and negativity. We all have it, that inner critic that loves to point out our flaws and fuel insecurity. But what if I told you that voice doesn't define you?
Our thoughts are shaped by a complex web of experiences. Our upbringing, the people who influenced us, societal messages, and even the constant stream of media and social media all play a role. We see unrealistic portrayals of perfection, endless comparisons, and messages that can chip away at our self-worth. These external factors mix with our internal narrative, often leading to negative thought patterns specific to women.
Here are some common themes:
The Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like a fraud, even when you're qualified and accomplished.
Body Image Blues: Constant dissatisfaction with our bodies, fueled by unrealistic beauty standards.
The Perfection Trap: The relentless pursuit of flawlessness, leading to stress and anxiety.
The "Should" Monster: The pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations, both internal and external.
Comparisonitis: Constantly comparing ourselves to others, often leading to feelings of inadequacy.
Judgmental Jury: Quickly forming negative opinions about others, stemming from insecurity or a need to feel superior.
Scarcity Mindset: A belief that there's not enough – not enough success, love, or resources – leading to fear and anxiety.
But here's the secret weapon: we have the power to rewrite the script!
Inspired by Rob Dial's "The Mindset Mentor" podcast, I want to share a powerful concept: APR. It stands for Awareness, Practice, Repetition. This simple framework can be your key to transforming those negative thoughts into empowering ones.
Awareness: Catching Yourself in the Act
The first step is becoming aware of those not-so-positive thoughts. Maybe you're presenting at work and the inner critic whispers, "You're going to mess up, everyone will judge you." Perhaps you're scrolling through social media and feel a pang of envy comparing yourself to a celebrity's seemingly perfect life. Or, you might find yourself judging a colleague's outfit or gossiping about a friend's choices.
Practice: Replacing the Negative with the Positive
Here's where APR shines. Once you catch that negative thought, disrupt it with a practice that flips the script.
Imposter Syndrome: Practice: Acknowledge at least three accomplishments and remind yourself of your skills.
Body Image Blues: Practice: Focus on three things you appreciate about your body, or challenge the unrealistic image you're comparing yourself to.
Perfection Trap: Practice: Reframe "perfect" to "progress." Celebrate three efforts and acknowledge that growth is a journey.
The "Should" Monster: Practice: Challenge the "should" by asking "why?" and "is this truly serving me?"
Comparisonitis: Practice: Shift your focus to gratitude for your unique journey and celebrate three of your wins, skills and attributes. Then send positive thoughts to the person you are comparing yourself to...wish them more luck and success in their journey.
Judgmental Jury: Practice: Identify three positive qualities you admire in the person you were judging.
Scarcity Mindset: Practice: List three things you're grateful for in that moment, shifting your focus to abundance.
Repetition: Building New Neural Pathways
Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself. There will be days when the negative thoughts creep back in. That's okay! Don't beat yourself up. Understanding how our thoughts are created by external and internal factors can be a source of grace. We're not to blame for the initial thought, but we are taking back the power by stopping it from spiraling. Just gently remind yourself and get back to your APR practice. With consistent repetition, you'll rewire your brain to fire those positive thoughts more readily. The key is to do your practice as soon as you are aware of the thoughts that aren't serving you.
Embrace Your Journey, Rewrite Your Story
You are strong, capable, and worthy. Don't let the external noise or the inner critic define you. Embrace the power of APR to rewrite your thinking patterns and step into the amazing woman you were always meant to be!
Are you having issues taming your inner critic and need someone to help you reprogram your thoughts and find peace and productivity in your mind? I've helped many women find their inner strength and quiet their critics. Together, we can use tools to identify your productive thoughts and work through what's holding you back. Imagine a more loving, peaceful life and mind – that's what's possible!
Want to learn more? Visit www.joyfulbalancewellbeing.com [invalid URL removed] to schedule a Breakthrough Session. We'll discuss where you are, where you want to be, and what might be holding you back. There's no obligation beyond 60 minutes of your time – the first session is free, and there's no pressure to continue if we aren't a perfect fit. Let's rewrite your story together!
Did you know I also host a private Facebook group called Joyful Balance Circle? There are over 800 like-minded women in the group. We share inspiration, support and comradery. Come join the conversation with daily insightful questions, inspiring posts and even support for obstacles in our lives.
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