Is there something you know should be done? Maybe get a college degree, finish a book report, or lose weight. You feel very much like doing it, but for some reason, you don't believe that you can do it. Learn how to convince yourself to do something and gain a stronger self-confidence to do it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Analyzing and Affirming Abilities
Step 1. Make an argument as to why a task should be done
Research shows that the best way to convince yourself of something is to develop a strong argument. It seems that people will try harder to convince themselves of something they don't believe in than what they already believe. So if you want to convince yourself to do something, you need to develop a solid reason for doing it.
- Take a piece of paper and make a list of the advantages of doing this. For example, if you are trying to convince yourself that you can earn a bachelor's degree, you will need to make a list of improving your skills in a particular industry, doing job preparation and training, networking with industry leaders in that field (e.g. faculty and other students), and gaining view of the wider world.
- Think of all the benefits that would be gained by doing this and write them down. Then reread this list aloud, to tell yourself how important this task is. Repeat reading these benefits daily or whenever you need motivation.
Step 2. Anticipate and deal with this problem fully understanding that you are the right person to do the task
- For example, in terms of getting into college, you could cite your grades, leadership skills, extracurricular involvement, and writing and speaking skills, as potential assets to help you earn a degree. These are all strengths that can be identified to increase steadfastness and increase the confidence to actually do it.
- If you have trouble identifying your strengths, seek input from others. Talk to a parent, teacher, boss, or friend who can explain some of your positive traits.
Step 3. Educate yourself with the things that are needed
One possible reason that you may not believe you can do something is the tendency to overestimate what it takes to do it. You are facing something unknown and you perceive that the task is too difficult or impossible to achieve. However, getting more information or clarifying what you already know will make the job seem more realistic. Here are a few ways you can be better trained on the task:
- Do some research. Finding out all the information about a particular problem can increase the knowledge base and increase the confidence to do so.
- Ask someone who has done it. Discussing the task with others can help you find answers and reduce worries.
- Imitate someone who is doing the task. Seeing other people completing the task will help you to know exactly what steps to take to do it. In addition, the person may not have certain skills or training in the task. If he can do it, so can you.
Step 4. Explain the steps as if you were teaching them to someone else
Once you've taught yourself what it takes to complete this task, explain these steps to someone else. Learning through experience is one of the most systematic ways to strengthen your knowledge of an issue. By teaching others, you can ensure that you have a solid understanding of what is being said.
Make sure the other person has the ability to understand and ask questions about a particular issue. If you can explain what needs to be done and answer questions that other people have, chances are you can handle the job
Part 2 of 3: Developing Motivation
Step 1. Repeat a powerful mantra
Your knowledge of mantras may be sounds repeated during yoga or meditation. Your way of thinking is correct, but also limited. Mantras can be phrases that strengthen and change your thinking. These words are positive words that position you in success.
Mantras can be anything from words to encouraging quotes, such as "I'll find a way or I'll make a way." Look for words that motivate you and repeat them often throughout the day
Step 2. Study the lives of people you admire
Role models aren't just for kids or teens. No matter what your age, you can learn and receive inspiration from others.
- Find a teacher, coworker, boss, or community leader who you think can lead an amazing life. Watch this person and learn his actions. When you are led by someone with strong morals, you will behave more positively in your own life.
- However, this leadership doesn't have to come from someone you know. You can be inspired by world leaders, writers and entrepreneurs. Study a book or watch a documentary about this person's life and learn about what he went through on his way to success.
Step 3. Spend time with people who believe in you
Believing in yourself is truly empowering, but when you're short on motivation, being around people who believe in you is incredibly motivating.
Recognize that the people you are with have a huge impact on your life--both positive and negative. Choose to be around people who care about you, and in return, you can give them support and encouragement
Step 4. Imagine a success
Visualization is a mental exercise in which you activate your imagination and senses to reach a certain state. Visualization helps train the brain for tangible achievement. As such, its usefulness is unmatched when it comes to how to achieve success.
- To use visualization, define what you want to achieve. Then see yourself at the finish line. This could be achieving a dream career or having lost a fair amount of weight. Think of the sensations associated with success. Who is with you? What thoughts are in your mind? What are your emotions? What sound do you hear? What smell do you smell?
- Do this exercise every day, in the morning or at night.
Step 5. Commit to work on short notice
It's easy to get overwhelmed with a big task when you think about how long it takes. However, in order to be maximally productive, the less time allotted to a task can yield greater results. In fact, the researchers demonstrated a cycle known as the ultradian rhythm, in which the body moves from a high level of alertness to a lower level of alertness.
- Tell yourself that you will be working on a specific task for 90 minutes, then take a break. Doing this gives you the opportunity to work with a clear and deep thought and rest and refresh yourself before starting a new job.
- To do this, you must be prepared to complete the tasks ahead of time. That way, you are not forced to work long hours continuously.
Part 3 of 3: Removing Mental Barriers
Step 1. Identify your values and beliefs
Lack of understanding of personal values like traveling without GPS or any maps. Values help guide us in various situations, so that we live very personally fulfilling lives. To find out some of your personal values, answer the following questions:
- Who are the people you respect the most? What traits do they have that fascinate you and why?
- If your house caught fire (all people and pets were considered safe), name three things you would save and why?
- What was the most satisfying moment in your life? What makes the moment satisfying?
Step 2. Set goals that align with your personal values
After outlining a short list of important values, you should develop S-D-D-R-T goals that support these values. After developing goals that allow you to live your values, do something that will make you achieve these goals every day. The goals of S-D-D-R-T are:
- Specific – clearly answer "who, what, when, where, which, and why" questions
- Assessable - describe how you would assess progress with respect to goals
- Achievable - achievable with your facilities, skills and abilities
- Realistic - the goal provides a challenge but also represents a purpose that you are willing and able to fulfill
- Punctual - the time specified must be realistic and also cover urgency
Step 3. Eliminate excuses
The most common mental barriers to getting things done are often the things we tell ourselves every day. If asked why you haven't reached a certain goal, your response is that all the factors are out of place. This is an excuse and you must remove it from the situation to achieve the goal.
- Eliminate excuses by being serious about yourself. Whatever you use as an excuse may just be a way to protect yourself from having to change.
- Setting SDDRT goals will help you reduce excuses. To address other reasons, such as not having the time, money, or facilities, study your life carefully to determine what can be eliminated. Get rid of activities that are not important or that sacrifice important activities. Do not wait until all the factors miraculously in place. Deliberately change your life so that it can support you in achieving your goals.
