Coach Meg
Wellcoaches Corp.
Listen to Coach Meg and Birgitt
here
Birgitt is on a journey to find new ways of being when she is out in the world, beginning with her own frame of mind.
But how do we shift our internal feelings, especially in those times when we are insecure, scared, and lack confidence? How do we become WHO we wish to be?
Create a Vision
First, we must know what it is we want and focus on that desire. Too often in trying to change behavior, we set goals like "I will not be nervous when I speak in front of the group today" or "I will not fall of the bike." Looking more closely, it's important to note that these goals actually focus on what we don't want rather than our hopes and inspirations. Setting goals this way can work against us by generating, or perpetuating, feelings of dread or worry.
TRY IT: Close your eyes and visualize yourself acting in the way that you always dreamed. What are you doing? How does it look? How does it feel? Set a goal that is about that inspiring vision.
Fake It Till You Make It
Zen Master and poet Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." This is true in a symbolic sense, but also quite literally as well. Did you know that your body doesn't know the different between a fake smile and a real smile? The same is true with laughter. So directing your body to act as if it feels the way you desire influences how you feel.
TRY IT: The next time you are feeling low energy, find your favorite CD, turn it up to a celebratory volume, and dance as if your are in the best mood of your life. Feeling down? Smile until you can no longer. Make funny faces at yourself in the mirror and laugh at life's humorous side.
Find Inspiration
When we haven't quite figured out how to be who we desire, it's helpful to look to a role model for clues. Role models, especially those who are similar to you or to whom you feel connected, can be a great resource for ideas and inspiration.
TRY IT: Make a list of the 5 people whom you most admire. In what ways are they similar to you? What are the qualities that you respect? How do those qualities show up in the world?
Margaret Moore, also known as “Coach Meg,” is CEO and founder of Wellcoaches Corp. in Wellesley, MA
coachmeg[at]wellcoaches.com