One of the more unpleasant situations we can find ourselves in is “in a rut.” It’s a feeling of being stuck in place with nowhere to go. No alternatives sounds good. No solutions seem right. If you feel like you’re in such a rut with your business, it might be worth checking in with your internal monologue. A good place to start is with the “Hope Exercise.”
Although simple, this exercise has the power to change your business and your life. It’s designed to help inspire hope — starting with the messages you tell yourself. So, if you “think” hopeful thoughts long enough, you will automatically start to “feel” hopeful. Here’s how it works:
During times of frustration, pause and take a deep breath and say “I hope….” Your self-talk might sound something like this:
After you’ve set your intentions, pay close attention to how you feel. For example, if you find yourself returning to your previous emotional state, keep practicing your hope statements. The more you practice this positive self-talk, you’ll find it easier to feel hopeful. And some great things can come to fruition!