Overcoming Daily Mental Obstacles for Personal Growth
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Chapter 1: Morning Struggles
When my alarm rings at 4:15 a.m., I face a challenging choice: hit “off” or “snooze”? Choosing “off” means risking a missed 5 a.m. CrossFit class, while “snooze” gives me an extra 10 minutes of comfort under my warm blankets, next to my little terrier, Sam. Thus begins the inner conflict.
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Section 1.1: The First Deceptive Thought
Lie #1: It’s Too Challenging
Of course, waking up at such an early hour to hit the gym is tough, despite having set my alarm with the clear intention to go. My mind throws out various excuses:
- It’s far too cold outside.
- Staying in bed is the easier option.
- Why put myself through a workout?
I understand that my primal brain is just trying to keep me safe and comfortable. However, I remind my rational brain:
While it’s true those alternatives seem simpler, will they help me achieve my goals?
- To be stronger?
- To enhance my health?
- To connect with a community of like-minded individuals?
Will choosing “easier” actually push me toward my aspirations? Remembering my favorite workout leggings adds motivation too. So, I throw off the covers and get going.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Second Lie
Section 1.2: The Creative Barrier
Lie #2: This Won’t Yield Results, So Why Try?
This thought often creeps in whenever I attempt something creative, whether it’s writing this blog, posting on social media, or crafting my elevator pitch. The internal dialogue goes like this:
- I’ve attempted this before and failed.
- No one will care about my efforts.
- My work won’t be appreciated.
All of this culminates in a sense of futility. However, my rational side counters:
You might be right; it could fail…
But what if it succeeds?
What if my message resonates with even one person?
What if this process hones my skills further?
This perspective is usually enough to motivate me to write or post.
Chapter 2: The Biggest Lie
The most pervasive lie is the belief that I’m not good enough. This notion requires no introduction. I’d wager that many of you share this sentiment, which often halts my progress.
This belief stems from what we internalized about ourselves during our upbringing, a topic deserving of its own discussion.
If we truly hold a belief, our minds will find all the “proof” to support it. It's often easier to believe the negative, as it requires minimal effort. Yet, let’s also consider what could be true:
- In what ways am I already good enough?
- How am I capable of tackling difficult challenges?
- How am I evolving into a better version of myself?
You don’t need to force a drastic shift from “I’m not good enough” to “I am enough,” as that won’t hold if you don’t genuinely believe it. Aim for a slightly improved thought:
- I’ve made it this far.
- I’ve overcome challenges in the past.
- I possess more knowledge now than I did six months ago.
Then prompt your mind to find evidence of those truths. Have you learned to ride a bike, drive, start a new job, or raise a child? I assure you, your brain will find the proof if you ask it to.
Negative thoughts are a part of our experience, but we don’t have to accept them. We can always rise above.
Some days, I might succumb to unproductive thoughts. I may choose to sleep in or delay writing that post. And that’s perfectly fine. However, consistently making those choices will not lead to the outcomes I desire for my life.
I aspire to live fully, to explore my potential, and to discover what I can achieve. Thus, I choose to manage my thoughts to reach those goals.