Sue’s Story-Is It Yours, Too?

One of my coaching clients, Sue showed up for her appointment this week, feeling edgy and struggling with overwhelm. She was fatigued emotionally and physically and just wanted to be in bed with the covers pulled over her head until it all blew over. Thankfully, she chose to come to her appointment instead.

You know, it never just blows over. Nope. Instead, when ignored, it compounds. Now, why would anyone want to choose that result?

As Sue and I talked, we untangled her emotions. We discovered that she had been negatively anticipating a future event’s disastrous outcome. The fear and anxiety she was feeling bubbled up from a past experience and preoccupied her with dread.

I wonder. Have you ever done that? Have you expected that things will go a certain way (usually a wrong way) because that is how it played out in the past? How did that work out for you?

In Sue’s case, her fearful thoughts and all the other priorities on her plate were enough to overwhelm her.

Sue and I did a couple of things. First, we talked about that negative experience and released its grip on her future. Then, we discussed how she had allowed her mind to fill with negative self-talk. She was convincing herself of the outcome, which most certainly would have occurred due to her thinking. Instead, she learned healthy self-speak options and how to shift from a limited mindset to a growth mindset.

Additionally, we reframed the future event using a technique called “pre-paving the way.” As a result, Sue began to look at it through the lens of what she wanted to have happen, not what she feared would happen. Lastly, we planned a practical approach to the situation to help her achieve a positive result.

Now, that probably sounds like a long appointment. But, in reality, it took about an hour. An hour of her day and Sue left with new techniques to help her deal with the circumstances at hand and any future similar situations. She’s empowered.

Do you want to feel empowered? Have control over the negativity you subject yourself to? Be free to enjoy experiences instead of fearing them? I understand because I used to fill my mind with negative self-talk and limiting beliefs. But now, my eyes are open, and I rarely sabotage myself anymore. When I start down that road, I know how to change course instantly.

I wish that for you, too.

Let’s chat.