It’s time to re-energize and start shifting your focus! Moving forward is an important part of growth. But sometimes we hinder our own growth and don’t realize how detrimental it can be. Here are three ways you’re sabotaging yourself from being the best you can be:

(Giphy.com)

Hit The Brakes On The Negative Thoughts- This is probably the most common issue people have. It’s so easy to think “It’s never going to happen” rather than “Just because it didn’t happen today, doesn’t mean I’m going to stop trying”. Positivity is like karma. When you put it in the atmosphere, it will come back around to you.

Skip The Comfort Highway- It’s okay to be comfortable but don’t let comfort allow you to forget about your goals. The ease of being in a daily routine can make the thought of something new seem inconvenient.

Override Fear-If an opportunity presents itself and the fear of failing kept you from going for it, you’ve already lost. Despite how people seem to be living their best lives on social media, they’ve had failures too. Everyone does, however, often times you grow from them.

Yeah, you got it!

(Giphy.com)

Christmas is coming and we are all excited about the various gifts that we will be receiving. Bells are ringing, stockings are being hanged, carols are being sung, and snowmans are coming to life. Though this is a season of celebration and festivities, we must not forget reality.

(Giphy.com)

I want to focus on stress. Those in high school are taking midterms next month. High school seniors have college deadlines due and college students are currently taking finals. It seems as though Santa isn’t the only one busy this season. For it is the season of preparation and rigorous work for many of us!

With so many deadlines and pressures, it is understandable that you are stressed or filled with anxiety. Luckily I have a few ways that we can deal with these issues…

(Giphy.com)

1. I believe everyone is good at something…so I recommend you find time to yourself to do something you enjoy.
2. Sometimes taking up a new hobby can help relieve stresses
3. Meditation! Take the time to become one with yourself and the universe ;)Interact with people…sometimes being by yourself isn’t the best, especially if you are a people’s person and find enjoyment in those around you.
4. Go out and have fun with friends!
5. Music…not only does it connect us as a peoples but it also take us to a realm of excitement, relaxation, and contentment.

(Giphy.com)

A lot of the pressures we feel not only come from school, but from home and those we choose to surround ourselves with. Though everyone deals with these stresses differently, I encourage you to look deeper into what makes you happy. And to remember the immense amount of potential you hold and the power you have to benefit and change the world. With all these external expectations, it can be easy to forget just how amazing you are. Sometimes the key is to express your feelings…shamelessly. Furthermore, to achieve your goals I encourage all of us to step into the world shamelessly. With that level of confidence, your stress and anxiety will diminish because you are taking control of your life.

(Tenor.com Shameless Maya)

-Written by Brynn Hutchinson