4 Ways to Stay Inspired, Even When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

We've all experienced anxiety and stress. In fact, these are biological responses, historically designed to protect us as a species.

Imagine one of your ancestors coming face to face with a saber-toothed tiger.

Now that's something to stress over.

Real, physiological changes occur in the body. Muscles tense, heartbeat increases, hairs stand on end.

It's the fight-or-flight response. Today, you can experience some of the same symptoms from stress.

You've got goals and ambitions, and there's no doubt you'll hit roadblocks.

It's important to realize how powerful your brain is.

That way when these inevitable challenges occur, you'll be able to overcome them. They won't be debilitating. You'll be able to bounce back.

An enormous part of achieving success comes from how you deal with feeling overwhelmed.

Abraham Lincoln said, “That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.”

Here are four ways to stay inspired and keep going, even when you're feeling overwhelmed:

1. Resolve to Not Let it Get You Down

Since your conscious mind can hold only one thought at a time, either positive or negative, if you deliberately choose a positive thought to dwell upon, you keep your mind optimistic and your emotions positive.

It all comes down to the way you talk to yourself on a regular basis. In our courses of problem solving and decisions making, we encourage people to respond to problems by changing their language from negative to positive.

Resolve in advance that no matter what happens, you will not allow it to get you down. You will respond with a constructive and positive attitude.

You will take a deep breath, relax and look for whatever good the situation may contain.

2. Speak to Yourself in a Positive Manner

Second, neutralize any negative thoughts or emotions by speaking to yourself positively all the time.

Say things like, “I feel healthy! I feel happy! I feel terrific!”

Whatever you say to yourself or others is impressed deeply into your subconscious mind and is likely to become a permanent part of your personality.

3. Remember, it is Impossible to Grow Without Difficulty

Third, remember that it is impossible to learn and grow and become a successful person without adversity and difficulties.

You must learn to manage stress and rise above the difficulties in order to become a better person. Welcome each difficulty by saying, “That’s good!” and then look into the situation to find the good in it.

4. Move Forward Towards Your Goals and Dreams

Finally, start moving forward in life by keeping your thoughts on your goals, dreams, and on the person you are working toward becoming.

When things go wrong temporarily, respond by saying to yourself, “I believe in the perfect outcome of every situation in my life.”

Resolve to maintain a positive attitude, be cheerful, and resist every temptation toward negativity and disappointment. View a disappointment as an opportunity to grow stronger, and about it to yourself and others in a positive and optimistic way.