Be Your Own Cheerleader

Be Your Own Cheerleader

So much of your success in life is determined by the attitude you bring to the task in hand. This applies to anything you do from something small like washing dirty dishes, to monumental tasks like winning an election. Not everyone will be running for president, so let’s go back to the dishes - if you look at the pile of dirty dishes and think – I hate this job, its such a waste of time, I could be doing something more fun, then the job will suck. If, however you think to yourself, I need to wash the dishes because it's nice to have a clean kitchen and if I just get on and do it quickly, then I can forget about it and do something more fun instead. Whilst I am doing the dishes I can also listen to a podcast and learn something new, or I can listen to some music that I like, which will put me in a good mood. This way the task will not seem onerous at all and you may even enjoy it.

When it comes to studying the same principles apply. If you look at the whole curriculum, it can seem overwhelming and it can be daunting to even start. But if you break it down into smaller chunks and go bit by bit then it will seem a lot easier. Also, if you keep reminding yourself of the final goal then it will keep you motivated.

But there is also another element, and that is the story we tell ourselves. If you have negative thoughts about yourself such as ‘I am no good at this’, ‘I am never going to pass this course’, ‘I am useless’ then you are putting yourself at a major disadvantage. If you change your messages to ‘I am capable’, ‘I am good at learning’, ‘I got onto this course so I have already proved that I am able do it’, then you will be at a much better starting point and positive frame of mind. Your attitude will be completely different.

To help you start changing your thoughts, this week’s task is for you to write a list of everything that you are good at. Now for some people this is really difficult. They are modest, or just not used to saying positive things about themselves because it may seem like bragging. Writing this list is not bragging, it is identifying your skills to remind yourself that you are capable. It does not have to be major things like going on an expedition to the North Pole! Just make a list of all the small things that you do as part of your weekly routine.  For example you could say ‘I am good at… reading, remembering things, cooking, cycling, sticking to a routine, football, making friends, raising money for charity, etc. Whatever you can think of, just stick it down on your list.

Look at this list regularly to remind yourself of what you are good at. So much of our daily lives becomes automatic and we forget to spend time consciously and actively putting positive thoughts into our brain. This is so important as it has an influence on how we feel from day to day. If we feel positive then we are more likely to present with a positive attitude to any task that we want to achieve.

So please, do not be modest, no one needs to see this list. Think hard and see if you can come up with at least 10 things that you are good at. It’s time to be your own cheerleader! If you can rely upon yourself for positive affirmation, you will be much stronger than if you need the approval of others to validate you, which can leave you very vulnerable. Positive affirmations lead to positive attitudes which in turn lead to success.

As Zig Ziglar, the motivational speaker once said, it is your attitude, not your aptitude that determines your altitude.

So get ready because it is time for you to shoot for the stars!

Susan xx