August 12 marked International Elephant’s Day. And while the old saying goes that an elephant never forgets, did you know that elephants can empathise too? As a herd, they are animals that show tremendous concern for one another – studies have shown them to actively use a unique, distinct sound, and a caressing trunk motion to naturally show understanding when they see another elephant in distress. Often considered one of the world’s most empathic species, they make responding to the emotions and need of others a natural imperative. A set of skills that we could all undoubtedly be learning from as we navigate the tsunami year that is 2020.
As we continue to work through the rollercoaster we find ourselves on, the practice of empathy for others is arguably our most critical skill towards recovery. The good news? However empathetic you feel you may be naturally, science has shown that the only thing between talking about being more empathetic and being empathetic is the decision to do so. Empathy is a skill so deeply embedded into our physiology that due to the neuroplasticity of our brains, research has shown that simply the decision to be more empathetic will lead you directly to be more empathetic.
But whilst it may come naturally to the socially-alert elephants that share our planet, how can we become as empathetic towards one another in our working life as they are?
Firstly, practice live listening – how often do you find yourself listening but not taking note of what the other person is saying? Your body may have been in the same room, but your attention is elsewhere. The first key to driving a deeper empathetic connection is to ensure that when you listen, you listen to truly hear.
Secondly, focus on those around you – we know that when people feel understood, stress levels are lower, immunity is, therefore, higher and our perceived safety and security goes up. Understanding the perspective of another not only helps you to gain clarity and context, but it creates confidence and calm in those you are connecting with. We need this more than ever right now.
Finally, be curious– enquiry drives connection. Start conversations and provoke sharing by asking questions to deepen your understanding of those around you. Encourage others to share more than their initial response by prompting them to know you are interested in hearing more
And if you think you’re hearing the word empathy everywhere right now, you’re right. It’s now on the lips of scientists and business leaders, education experts and political activists all over the world, and there is a good reason for it. 2020 may just turn out to be the year of empathy. For all of us.
Mimi Nicklin is an author and renowned empathetic influencer based in Dubai. Find out moreat miminicklin.com
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Empowering Self: Unveiling Three Essential Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt
Empowerment Through Confidence
Self-doubt is a common struggle that many people face. It can hold us back from reaching our full potential and achieving our goals. But what exactly is self-doubt, and how can we overcome it? We will explore the concept of self-doubt and unveil three essential strategies to help you overcome it and empower yourself.
Understanding Self-Doubt
Self-doubt is the lack of confidence in oneself and one’s abilities. It is the inner voice that tells us we are not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough to achieve our goals. It can manifest in different ways, such as fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or constantly seeking validation from others.
Self-doubt can be triggered by past experiences, societal pressures, or our own inner critic. It can hold us back from taking risks, trying new things, or pursuing our passions. However, it is important to remember that self-doubt is a normal part of the human experience and can be overcome with the right strategies.
The Power of Inner Strength
Inner strength is the ability to trust in oneself and one’s abilities. It is the foundation of self-confidence and resilience. When we have inner strength, we are better equipped to face challenges and overcome self-doubt.
Cultivating a Positive Mindset
Our mindset plays a crucial role in how we perceive ourselves and our abilities. A positive mindset involves having a growth mindset, which means believing that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. It also involves reframing negative thoughts into positive ones and focusing on our strengths rather than our weaknesses. Cultivating a positive mindset takes practice, but it can greatly impact how we view ourselves and our potential.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is often overlooked, but it is essential for building inner strength and maintaining a positive mindset. Self-care involves taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It can include activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies. When we prioritise self-care, we are better equipped to handle self-doubt and build our inner strength.
Now that we have a better understanding of self-doubt and its impact, let’s explore three essential strategies to help you overcome self-doubt and empower yourself.
Practice Self-Awareness
Building inner strength takes time and effort, but it is a crucial step in overcoming self-doubt. Here are three strategies to help you cultivate inner strength and empower yourself.
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is a crucial first step in overcoming self-doubt because it allows us to identify when self-doubt is present and how it affects us. To practice self-awareness, try journaling or mindfulness exercises. This can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions and how they contribute to self-doubt. Once you are aware of your self-doubt triggers, you can work on reframing negative thoughts and building your inner strength.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is important for building confidence and overcoming self-doubt. When we set unrealistic goals, we set ourselves up for failure, which can reinforce self-doubt. Instead, set achievable goals that align with your strengths and values. This will help you build momentum and confidence, which can help you overcome self-doubt in the long run.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
The people we surround ourselves with can greatly impact our self-doubt. If you are constantly surrounded by negative influences, it can be challenging to build inner strength and maintain a positive mindset. Instead, surround yourself with positive influences, such as supportive friends and family, mentors, or positive role models. These individuals can provide encouragement and help you stay motivated on your journey to overcoming self-doubt.
Self-doubt is a common feeling that can hold us back from reaching our full potential. However, with the right strategies, we can overcome self-doubt and empower ourselves to achieve our goals. By cultivating inner strength, maintaining a positive mindset, and practising, we can build the confidence and resilience needed to overcome self-doubt. Remember, self-doubt is a normal part of the human experience, and with determination and perseverance, we can overcome it and reach our full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I expect to see results when applying these strategies to overcome self-doubt?
Results in overcoming self-doubt vary, but with consistent application of strategies, individuals often experience positive shifts in mindset and confidence within a few weeks. Patience and commitment are key to cultivating lasting self-empowerment.
Can these strategies be applied to different aspects of life, such as work or personal relationships?
The self-empowerment strategies provided are versatile and can be seamlessly applied to various life aspects, fostering confidence, resilience, and positive transformations in both professional and personal realms.
Are there additional resources or practices that complement these essential strategies for a more comprehensive self-empowerment journey?
Supplement your self-empowerment journey with additional resources like self-help books, workshops, and mindfulness practices. Incorporating holistic approaches enhances the effectiveness of the essential strategies, providing a well-rounded path to sustained self-empowerment.
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