The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.
–Michelangelo
One thing that keeps us from reaching our goals is low self-esteem and negative self-talk. Do any of these statements sound familiar? ‘I’m not a very good artist. That gallery won’t accept my work. I don’t have any skills to share. Who would want to take a class from me? I have been painting for _______years (fill in the number) and I still can’t paint a _________ (fill in the subject). I’ll never be any good.’
In the words of Oddball from Kelly’s Heroes (ok, I’m dating myself), ‘Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?’
Here is what I do to help combat negative waves and boost my self-esteem.
1. Every evening before I go to sleep, I write down 5 things in my journal that I am grateful for. This keeps me in a positive state of mind and reminds me just how fortunate I am.
2. I keep a record of all the goals that I have reached, the tasks that I have accomplished and the risks that I have taken. Doesn’t matter how big or small they are. They add up as the days pass. It is empowering to review this record and keeps me in action mode.
3. I keep company with people that I like, that are FUN, make me laugh and are supportive. Laughter IS the best medicine and there’s nothing like a friend to fall back on when you need a pick-me-up.
4. I get outside and MOVE. Exercise is a wonderful way to refresh the brain and I get some of my best ideas when I am pounding the pavement, riding my bike or walking the dogs.
5. I educate myself. I notice how I am feeling and thinking when I don’t feel motivated and make a note in my journal. This eventually leads to insight and helps me to overcome my pitfalls.
When you feel good about yourself, it is much easier to feel good about what you are painting, sculpting, drawing or sketching and it is easier to take ACTION…..which is what it’s all about.