We have all been there: you are getting ready for something important, you want to do well, but it’s really, really stressful. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the pressure. So, we thought we’d give you a few tips on how to stay calm (or at least less stressed).
There is no problem with having big goals, but sometimes focusing on the outcome of a goal sets the stakes too high, and we crumble under the pressure. So, instead of focusing on the outcome of the goal, focus on the process of the goal. In other words, the journey should be the goal, and not the destination. I feel like you need an example. So, instead of saying “I want to become the world’s best skateboarder within a year”, a better goal would be “I want to learn all I can from skateboarding in the next year”. Focus on the process, it will take the pressure off.
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Well maybe not the worst, but just prepare for what could go wrong. If you are too positive, your brain will think that it’s going to be a walk in the park, and your motivation and drive will dry up, Don’t get me wrong, be positive, but be prepared.
Try your best. At some point in our preparation, we have that thought “I don’t care anymore” and we want to just stop what we are doing and not try at all. This is the brain's way of protecting itself from all the things that could go wrong. Just don’t give up. Remember why you are preparing – you want to achieve something important. Give it your all. If you don’t succeed, that’s fine – there will be another opportunity, but at least you’ll know you gave it your best shot.
Affirm yourself. Remind yourself of who you are and have everything you have succeeded. Even the smallest things like “I am the best bird watcher in this town”. Tell yourself anything that will build you up. Be your own cheerleader.
You got this.
Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!
Here are some things that can help you with that.
YouTube
Great
reads
Emotions! Making Sense of Your Feelings by Mary Lamia, PhD
This will help you understand your emotions and who you are, how you appear to others, and what you can be. While your emotional life may feel out of control, your emotions are valuable. It's time to figure just what they are telling you!
Happy, Healthy Minds by The School of Life
This book looks at a bunch of topics that you might be dealing with, for example: when parents don’t seem to understand us or when we fall out with friends etc..
You Can Choose Your Own Life by Barbara Kerr and Barry Sommer
This book will help you make better decisions. It has five stories where the characters make decisions and immediately learning the consequences of whatever choices they have made.
Great
Films
Eigth Grade
Kayla Day, is in the eighth grade. She is introverted but also posts videos about self-confidence online. Soon, she realises she is not the person she is pretending to be and has to accept that.
Onward
Two elven brothers, set out on an epic adventure to resurrect their late father for a day. But in the youngest brother has to accept himself first.
Inside Out
Eleven-year-old Riley moves cities, leaving behind her life behind. She and her five core emotions, Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust and Sadness, struggle to cope with her new life.
Spotify
Here is a playlist you might enjoy, or even bring you some comfort when you are not feeling so great.
Places to find more resources
Would you like to get inspired about your life?
Join a Highway session today.
If you would like to explore what’s going on for you today, then just jump on! You will be welcomed to a safe, warm, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and uncover what is important to you. You have all the answers. Let us help you find your way.
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