Many Americans are feeling hopeful with President Obama taking office. As our country is in transition, so are many individuals. Change can be a stressful and difficult time. Even when things are positive, many people are "wired" to resist change. While some people feel like they're riding the roller coaster of life or that they are in a downward spiral, others have prepared as much as possible for their retirement and other transitions.
One of my clients, Joe, came to our coaching session filled with mixed emotions. He had met with his financial planner, which is something we talked about him doing in a previous session. This way, Joe could get a current, realistic perspective of his financial situation rather than guessing and fearing the unknown. Joe had retired about eighteen months ago and was feeling unsettled by how much his savings had dwindled and how long it would last. The result was that Joe felt much better after "arming" himself with knowledge rather than thinking about the "what if's". Now Joe was ready to make decisions and take steps that he need to make.
Another client, Alice, was looking for ways to stay positive in today's economy. Alice was "forced" into retirement several months ago, a few years short of when she thought she'd retire. After getting over the "initial shock", Alice wasn't sure what she was going to do next. We spent some time creating positive structures in her life that didn't cost anything. For example, she began learning and practicing the eight strategies of Positive Self Talk we had been working on. In addition, she began to exercise regularly. We set up a schedule that worked for her. Alice felt less stressed and healthier with natural endorphins being released in her body, a benefit of physical activity.
So what can you do?
Create Some Positive Structures in Your Life if you don't already have them. For example, practice my "8 Strategies of Positive Self Talk (which are listed on Channel 9's website under "Our Time"). Begin with the first strategy and practice it until it becomes a new habit or pattern in your life. Remember that it takes consistency over time to create that new pattern. And, these strategies will positively help your confidence level shift.
Other positive structures you can do (and they're free) are meditation and positive affirmations.
It's Time to Pull Together and Ask for Support if You're Not Getting Any
Like our nation, it is time to pull together. We all need allies...individuals as well as countries. With financial woes, job loss, the uncertainty of the future, it is time to pull together in our own personal lives. Major transitions should not be faced alone. Surround yourself with people who will support you, such as family, friends, religious leader, a coach...people whom you trust, can rely upon, and with whom you feel safe and comfortable.
Maximize and Utilize Your Strengths and Skills and build from them. Those strengths and skills are transferable, personally and professionally. In other words, you may have worked in one vocation for many years. You can apply those strengths and skills to various vocations and all areas of your life.
Don't Be Critical of Yourself or Others when things aren't going the way we would like. Often we blame ourselves or others. Stop the self criticism or criticism of others...negative self talk doesn't help any situation...it creates more negative and quickly takes you down the "rabbit's hole"!
Replace Old Patterns/Habits That Are Not Serving You With New Ones That Do Positively Serve You. Most of us have a tendency to pick out the negative things going on in our lives.
We can hear 100 positive things and one negative thing and we'll focus on the one negative thing. Focus on the positive! Awareness of your "self talk" is crucial!
So in keeping with the country's theme of HOPE and CHANGE(?) add some POSITIVITY to your life...It will serve you well...It's the gift that keeps on giving!
Certified Business and Life Coach Susan Samakow is the principal of Susan Samakow Coaching, LLC. She works with individuals and businesses on life and career transitions,
focusing on retirement. Susan coaches individuals, couples, and groups, as well as conducting workshops, retreats, and seminars. For questions, contact Susan at susan@selftalkcoach.net or 301-706-7226 and 703-472-7690.
