I had a different post planned for this week, and I was all ready to sit down and spit out more editing knowledge. And then it came time to write and honestly, I did not feel like doing it. My heart wasn't in it. And I don't ever want to create content when I'm feeling forced. I think lackluster motivation shows itself in the words written on the page, and sometimes it's best to honor the feeling of not wanting to and do something different instead.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I've been dealing with a lot of feelings of "not enough-ness" lately. Not enough time in the day, not enough knowledge, not enough experience, not enough connections, not enough certainty about where to head next. I understand this isn't the most glamorous revelation, but I think it's important to acknowledge when we're in these slumps because everyone goes through them and really, it's okay. And normal. And we should talk about it, because it's very much a shared human experience and we shouldn't feel any shame in being in a funk.
Imposter Syndrome, anyone?!
These feelings have been creeping up in all areas of my life, not just in my business and career. That sneaky Imposter Syndrome has wormed its way into my head and heart, and I haven't been able to shake it. I've been wondering if I have what it takes to be successful, if I'm contributing anything worthwhile to my relationships, if my creative pursuits are just a far-fetched dream, and if I'm anything but a naive fool for thinking the answers would be obvious and easy. Putting ourselves out into the world to be judged, critiqued, and talked about is really scary. And it's hard to not let those negative thoughts take over.
Let go of expectations & eat your vegetables
For me, those feelings of inadequacy usually come from my own expectations. Letting go of attachments to particular outcomes is difficult, but also completely freeing. If we allow ourselves to just be, to just do, to just ENJOY, without setting unrealistic expectations, or any expectations at all, most of the time it turns out that we find exactly what we need. It's the excitement of the "choose your own adventure." You're here now, but you can head in any direction you want, and there is so much power in that. When I find myself getting caught up in the "what ifs," I tell myself that I have a choice. I can wallow in my misery, festering and pouting and selling myself a false narrative, or I can crack open a window and feel the cool breeze, eat a vegetable, and say something kind to myself. The choice is mine and mine alone. I can choose to live feeling stuck in the mud, or I can choose to embrace the unknown, honor the journey, and appreciate the process.
Acknowledge the discomfort & reframe your thoughts
When the negative thoughts arise it's important to acknowledge and accept them. Hey. I see you. I know you're there. Then you can challenge them. Why do I think this? Is what I'm feeling true or is it a warped perception? What evidence backs this up? And then you can reframe those thoughts. Maybe you use mantras or affirmations. Maybe you share your thoughts with a good support system (like a friend or family member or fellow entrepreneur). Maybe you write down your accomplishments, celebrating your wins big or small. Sometimes seeing things in black-and-white makes it easier to accept. Look at how much I've already done! Look at all the things I know! Look at how many talents I have! Getting out of your own head and doing something you enjoy is another great way to remember everything you have to offer and help you fight off that monster of madness. It's all about perspective, and one tiny shift can change everything.
I know this is an editing blog and this post isn't about editing. But it is about writing your own story and in a way, making edits to that story to get the ending you want. You can do it. I can do it. Flip the script. Take charge of your own story.
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