TL;DR:
- Don’t let limiting beliefs take over.
- Realign yourself in times of change by creating an anchor affirmation, scheduling energy check-ins, increasing times of stillness and silence, enjoying nature, and remembering that change is part of the journey.
A few months ago I embarked on a journey that truly tested my ability to think better during moments of change. On a Friday back in October, I was working as a behavior specialist and on the following Monday I started my career as an administrator in an Assistant Principal role in my same district. Even though I felt prepared and ready for this change, the truth is I was scared, nervous, and feeling very afraid.
Limiting beliefs were present everywhere I looked.
What if I wasn’t good enough?
What if I messed up?
What if the teachers and I didn’t connect?
What if I’d made a huge mistake?
The what ifs were exhausting. I suddenly was having a hard time sleeping, a hard time focusing, and a hard time staying present. It was at this moment, I knew something was off. Something was, as I like to call it, out of alignment. The beauty of learning to think better is you become in tune with your inner thoughts, your inner feelings, and your inner desires. When something feels ‘off’ or suddenly feels different, it’s your body’s way of telling you: slow down, breathe, and let’s re-align.
Uncertainty is the catalyst to creativity. Through times of change, growth is happening, and with growth comes new versions of ourselves. This is part of the journey. Click To TweetSo where do we begin?
Learning to realign our thoughts, our emotions, and our actions during times of change doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated either. In fact, as with many things, I aim to take small, simple, and strategic steps to move my momentum forward.
To realign during times of change, here are my favorite steps to take.
Create an anchor affirmation that will help you return to the present moment.
Post this affirmation in different places such as your office, on your computer, at home, or even in your car. Use an ‘I am’ statement that will remind you to return to the present moment. One of my personal favorites is: “I am perfect in this present moment.”
Schedule energy check ins during the day.
Use your phone to schedule times to check in with your body during the day. When your alarm alerts you, pause where you are, ground your feet to the floor, put your hand over your heart, and breathe. Use this moment to practice listening to your body and taking action that fits the energy you are seeking.
Increase times of stillness and silence.
Change can appear chaotic or complicated because things feel unstable. We continue to feel pulled from the past to the future, often skipping the present moment. To realign in the present, practice stillness and silence throughout your day. Even 30 seconds at a time can help to realign your body and mind to each present moment.
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Get out in nature.
Even a 5 minute walk can do wonders for your mind and body. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the sunshine on your face, or practice listening to the sounds around you. Any of these will help you reconnect with the present moment and help you realign your thoughts, even during times of change.
Remind yourself (as often as needed) that change is part of your journey.
I remind myself often that uncertainty is the catalyst to creativity. Through times of change, growth is happening, and with growth comes new versions of ourselves. This is part of the journey. It’s part of your journey. Sometimes, we just need to remind ourselves to embrace the journey we are living every day.
Change is inevitable. And yes, while it can feel overwhelming at times, it is also possible to find strength through the stress. It’s possible to find growth through discomfort. And it’s possible to continue defining who you are, even when change is present. Realigning your thoughts, emotions, and actions can take practice, but these are processes we can be grateful to practice every single day!
About Lindsay Titus
Lindsay Titus is a 7th-9th grade Assistant Principal with a passion for human behavior, emotional resilience, and mindset growth. In addition to her work as an administrator, she coaches and trains educators on how to remain authentic in all situations by understanding the power of our thoughts, our language, and our actions.
With experience as a classroom special education teacher, and behavior specialist in public schools, residential placement, and private settings, Lindsay enjoys working with all educators looking to reignite their passion for education, connect with all students, and conquer challenging behavior in any classroom setting.
