In 2020, we are experiencing immense loss. In the US, millions of Americans are still unemployed, thousands of small business owners closed their doors permanently, and over 200 thousand people have died from coronavirus related issues. We see death and job loss around us, but we are also losing friendships over political differences.
In this climate of pressure, we still have responsibilities to provide for our families and solve problems no other generations have encountered. For many of us, we had to start the scary process of reinventing ourselves. Seeking to avoid difficulty, we search for another way, but there is no clear path in sight.
What is the Solution?
Rather than escaping difficulty, what if the solution is to change our mindset about starting something new? Changing the story that we tell ourselves about pain and loss can serve as a powerful source of motivation to move beyond fear towards the next step in our journey.
Here are 6 ways to change your mindset about starting something new.
1. Conduct an experiment
When we are uncertain about an outcome, our natural tendency is to disengage out of fear of the unknown. However, in an experiment, the goal is to make discoveries by exploring new possibilities. When you are uncertain about what to do next, tell yourself, “This is an experiment. I get to make discoveries.”
2. Practice new skills
When starting something new, we often put pressure on ourselves to execute with perfection. When we think this way, our only options are to win or lose. However, when we approach new situations as practice, we grow in proficiency through repetition. When you find yourself overwhelmed with fear of failure, tell yourself, “This is only practice. I am learning. I will get better at this.”
3. Accept a challenge
When someone challenges us, we have the option to accept or decline. Accepting challenges are fun, so we show up full of energy. When life challenges you, tell yourself, “I accept this challenge. I’ll give it my all. This will be fun!”
4. Welcome opportunity
When dread starts setting in, we tell ourselves that we “have to” start over, but when we view new circumstances as opportunities, we turn “I have to” into “I get to.” Everybody does not get the privilege of reinventing themselves and starting over. When the dread begins, tell yourselves, “This is an amazing opportunity!”
5. Get excited about the experience
When we embark on something new, the pain of being a novice is acute. Over time the pain, fear, and insecurity go away. The story we tell becomes an epic adventure that teaches us life lessons. When you are feeling the pain of starting something new, tell yourself, “This experience is teaching me something I need to learn.”
6. Accept the gift with gratitude
You cannot earn a gift. You can only accept it. Since we cannot repay it, the only appropriate response is gratitude. We might not see this moment as a gift, but it is a gift for us to grow, learn, and become the best versions of ourselves.
When you begin to think this should not be happening to me, tell yourself, “I accept this gift with an open heart of gratitude.” Are you looking to change your mindset about starting something new? Let’s schedule a free introductory mindset coaching session.
Here’s a testimony from one of my clients:
“Working with Chris has allowed me to maintain high levels of productivity at work, break down my hesitations around having difficult conversations, foster creativity to improve analytical problem-solving at work, identify and take action on my own personal goals and vision.” Natasha, Google Financial Analyst