Often the conversations I have with men involve finding meaning and purpose in their lives…a real and challenging task to undertake. Discussing this further with them, I’ve noticed two major players that get in the way of their successful pursuit of it.
They are fear and lethargy.
Fear can cause you to avoid change and growth in your life, resulting in stagnation and a lack of fulfillment. While lethargy can arise from a feeling of hopelessness or a lack of motivation, which can prevent you from pursuing your passions and finding meaning in your life.
Both fear and lethargy will prevent you from having the meaning in life you are after and the purpose you want to experience. So, I have put together a list of options and ideas you can use to move through fear and push through lethargy in order for you to grow, to be motivated, and find your “thing” in life.
These six techniques can be used to overcome fear of change and growth:
- Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and develop a sense of detachment from them. This can help you recognize and manage your fears more effectively.
For change to happen you have to have awareness of what is happening with you when triggered or engaged in behavior you want to change.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may be contributing to your fear.
When you can change the negative story in your head about yourself, you can create those new behaviors and actions you want.
- Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to the feared situation, in a controlled and safe manner, in order to reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
Do you want to speak up and be heard? What supportive groups would be a good place for you to practice using your authentic voice asking for what you want and exercising boundaries?
- Positive self-talk: Engaging in positive self-talk, or affirming and encouraging yourself, can help shift negative thought patterns and build confidence.
Have you looked yourself in the mirror today and said, “Man, I love you!”
- Seek support: Talking to a trusted friend, family member, coach, or mental health professional can provide a supportive outlet to discuss fears and develop coping strategies.
- Embrace growth mindset: Adopting a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities for growth and development, can help reduce the fear of change and encourage taking risks.
Only at your growing edge does change happen, and it can be scary as hell to stand there sometimes; so see #5.
Here are seven techniques that you can use to overcome lethargy, and escape a feeling of hopelessness or lack of motivation:
- Setting goals: Setting achievable and meaningful goals can provide a sense of purpose and direction, and help individuals overcome feelings of lethargy.
- Breaking tasks into smaller parts: Breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable parts can help individuals overcome feelings of overwhelm and take action.
- Establishing a routine: Developing a consistent routine, with designated time for activities that are important and enjoyable, can help build momentum and overcome feelings of lethargy.
- Engaging in physical activity: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help improve mood and increase motivation.
- Seeking support: Again, talking to a trusted friend, family member, coach or mental health professional can provide a supportive outlet to discuss feelings of hopelessness and develop coping strategies.
- Challenging negative thoughts: Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs can help individuals overcome feelings of hopelessness and increase motivation.
- Practicing gratitude: Focusing on what one is grateful for can help shift perspectives and increase positive emotions, leading to increased motivation and a sense of hope.
What is one technique that you will use this week to push through your fear? What technique can you use today to change lethargy into hope and action?
Thank you for being a part of my passion and mission that as men, we show up, be present, and push ourselves toward living our fullest potential.
We are all in this together!
Author: Todd Gorishek
Todd is a certified Men’s Life Coach, an entrepreneur, a licensed healthcare professional, a husband, a father, and a world traveler. His mission is to co-create a strong and compassionate world by facilitating transformation through understanding, trust, and empowerment.
He received his professional Life Coaching education from Newfield Network, a certified Life Coach training school, and is a member of the International Coach Federation.