JumpStart Fruit Cocktail Day (5/13/24)

Big Idea:    I’ll bet you’ve recently heard that nagging voice in your head whispering (or sometimes shouting) insecurities and anxieties. We all experience self-doubt, especially when we are busy, feeling stressed, learning something new, or asked to do something new. Self-doubt comes in many flavors, but its impact is undeniable – it can paralyze us, prevent us from reaching our full potential, and leave us feeling like frauds.
What does it look like in you?

• Imposter Syndrome: This pervasive feeling of being a fraud, undeserving of success, makes you believe you've fooled everyone into thinking you're competent. Even with accomplishments under your belt, the fear of being exposed as a "fake" lingers.
  
  
  
• Perfectionism: The relentless pursuit of flawlessness fuels self-doubt. It makes you hypercritical of your work, leading to procrastination and missed opportunities.
  
  
  
• Fear of Failure: This common trigger makes you avoid challenges and new experiences due to the dread of messing up. The possibility of failure seems so catastrophic that it becomes easier to stay stagnant.
  
  
  
• Comparison Trap: This involves constantly comparing yourself to others, often focusing on their perceived strengths while overlooking your own. Social media with its curated feeds amplifies this kind of self-doubt.
  

• Negative Self-talk: Pay attention to your inner monologue. Are you constantly belittling yourself, focusing on your shortcomings, and using negative labels?
  
  
  
• Procrastination/Avoidance: Do you find yourself putting things off, even important tasks, due to a fear of failure or inadequacy?  Maybe this looks like shifting your priority list to others before yourself.
  

Here are my top 4 approaches to silence the inner critic and embrace your potential:

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Don't accept self-deprecating thoughts as facts. Question them! Are they based on reality or just your fear?
  
  
  
• Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of dwelling on what you perceive as weaknesses, focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
  
  
  
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Striving for flawlessness is paralyzing. Embrace the iterative process, learn from mistakes, and view them as opportunities for growth.
  
  
  
• Read your Resume: Keep an updated list of all your accomplishments, not just for job hunting, but to remind yourself of your accomplishments.
  

Taming self-doubt is an ongoing process. It requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and a commitment to personal growth. Remember, everyone experiences self-doubt; It's a normal human emotion.
This Week, Try This:  The next time your inner critic starts yammering, choose one of the strategies above or try this think sheet.


Quote:  "You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked.  Try approving of yourself and see what happens." (Louise L. Hay)

Educator Resource:  Directions Conference 2024 - FREE conference.  FREE PD hours or CEUs. FREE lunch.  FREE Admin Academy.  FREE Book. What are you waiting for?

Dad Joke:  A priest, a pastor, and a rabbit entered a blood clinic to donate.  the nurse asked the rabbit, "What's your blood type?"  The rabbit replied, "I'm probably a Type O."
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You’ve got this. Keep your chin up, and smile - even faking a smile can change your mood just a bit.
~Matt Weld, SEL Coach
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