I bet there are some hard things you’re trying to do right now.
Whether it’s dealing with the effects of the turmoil and uncertainty in our world, a hard conversation you need to have, or something going on at work, in a relationship, or with your health, all of us at times have to do hard things.
When hard things arise, sometimes we have a tendency to avoid them or put them off.
But we can tap into something very simple when we feel hesitant about doing the hard things that need to be done. We can use the power of our words.
Think about it for a moment, what are you saying to yourself about that hard thing you’re dealing with in your life?
Every morning when my son gets up to go to school, I have him repeat this simple, but meaningful declaration:
“I am loved. I am kind. I am smart. I can do hard things.”
I have him say what we want him to know and believe about himself.
I love hearing him repeat those words, but the one he says most often is the last one. When he is doing something difficult like learning some new words or trying to read a new book, sometimes he’ll become frustrated or even whine about it when he first starts. Then, without prompting, he’ll just blurt out, “But I can do hard things, Mommy!”
Every time he says it, it not only warms my heart, but it reminds me of the power of our words.
What feels hard and has you doubting whether you can do it? Remind yourself that you can do hard things.
We live in a world that often suggests things should be easy, that success should come quickly. But as you know, that’s often untrue. It takes work – work on ourselves, persistence in the face of rejection, faith when we feel fear. So we have to remind ourselves that even though getting to the vision of what we want can be hard, the hard things can be worth it, and you can do hard things.
Coach Yourself
What hard thing have you been putting off?
What could you do to prepare mentally to do what feels hard?
How do you need to adjust your language to empower you to presevere in your situation.
