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
The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness by Hugh van Cuylenburg
With a blend of humour, poignancy and clear-eyed insight, Hugh explains how we can all get the tools we need to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
How To Do The Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
LePera presents a revolutionary approach to healing that harnesses the power of the self to produce lasting change.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
This is a discussion about how we interact with ourselves and others. The book explores the concept of self reflection and presence in the moment, and will give you simple exercises to help you achieve it.
Great
Films
Gifted
Frank, a single man raising his genius niece, Mary, gets into a legal battle with his mother, Evelyn, over her custody. However, Evelyn will do anything to make Mary complete her mother's project.
The Devil Wears Prada
Andy, a young graduate aspiring to be a journalist, comes to New York and becomes an assistant to one of the city's biggest magazine editors, the ruthless and cynical Miranda Priestly.
The Theory of Everything
Stephen Hawking, an excellent astrophysics student working on his research, learns that he suffers from motor neurone disease and has around two years to live.
Spotify
Here is a playlist you might enjoy, or even bring you some comfort when you are not feeling so great.
Podcasts
Dyl & Friends
This episode Dyl talks to one of the world's most renowned big wave surfers and Australia's own, Mark Mathews.
The Imperfects
In this episode of The Imperfects, the hosts talk with Christian O'Connell - an award winning Breakfast radio host -about his anxiety & the panic attacks that nearly ended his career.
Fear Itself
Bonas invites guests to share their personal stories around fear. How does fear show up, how do people try to hide it, how can we harness it and what can we learn from it?
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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