We all need a cheer squad to help us push forward. In tough circumstances having a cheer squad is important. To know that you have people supporting and encouraging you gives you the added courage to take risk, to make a change as well as to continue on a path that you have chosen. Depending on others to help you on is great and to know how you can be your own cheerleader is even better. When you are your own cheerleader, you know how to pick yourself up, know what deeply motivates and drives you and most importantly you are not easily distracted by others.
As good as the people around you may be, there will be times when they might disagree with you, disagree with your approach or not fully understand why you are doing what you are doing. Hence in order to stay the course that you have decided on, you need to be your own cheerleader.
I have discovered that there are 5 ways that you can do that:
- Source of Motivation: What motivates you? What are you passionate about? What are the drivers for this course of action? List them down. Be simple and clear. Make the list visible. Put it up on your fridge or by your mirror. Remind yourself.
- Past Lessons or experiences gained: Recall what were the past lessons and experiences that you had gone through. What did you learn? How did you overcome? What did you gain from going through the previous tough times? Reflecting on what happened in the past and how you succeed will help you to gain the confidence and courage that you need when you are faced with tough challenges.
- Be positive or Don’t beat yourself up: When the situation is tough, don’t beat yourself up. Don’t pull down who you are but challenge your actions. Actions and decisions can be changed, modified and problems can be solved. Know who you are and what you are good at. Ask yourself, what are my strengths? List them down. List down positive quotes and motivation quotes that resonates with you. Listen to music that inspires you. Reminding yourself of your strengths will give you the encouragement that you can do it. You have the skills, abilities and talents to achieve your goal. There are times when the actions that we have taken needs to be corrected or ideas need to be innovated. Make the adjustments. Don’t hold on to process or steps as there are many ways to achieve the same outcome. Don’t confuse the outcome with the methods. Just make sure that you are not doubting who you are in the process.
- Reward yourself: It is always fun when you achieve a certain milestone. Learn to reward yourself for it. The milestone can be whatever you deem right. The reward should be equivalent to the task. The idea of rewarding yourself is so that you can celebrate the achievement. Acknowledge that you have made it this far. To know just how much or little more you have to do to accomplish your goal.
- Celebrate: Don’t be shy to celebrate an accomplishment. That’s what a cheer squad does, it celebrates accomplishments. Celebrate and share the moment with others. It not only feels great, it will also motivate those around you.
I believe that each of us need to be our own cheerleader as that’s the only “person” that is with you all the time. The responsibility is in your hands. Cheer squad is great to help support you but they can’t do what you need to do. Your actions are in your hands.
Lisa Lam : Coach | Trainer | Consultant 