When I was a classroom teacher, I remember thinking what it could be like to work on my own with students on reading and writing (two of my favorite subjects). It was an idea I felt excited about and connected to.
I also recall how scared I felt about this idea. It didn’t seem possible and I came up with plenty of reasons of how it wouldn't work.
Because human beings are hard wired for survival AND desire familiarity, comfort, and predictability, when an exciting and new idea pops into our minds, chances are our amygdala kicks in.
The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for our survival instincts which can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to physical sensations like a racing heart, sweating, and shallow breathing.
Our brains may perceive a new idea as a threat to our safety which can make it feel challenging and intimidating to move forward with. You might feel really connected and excited about a business idea YET your amygdala will tell you otherwise.
Here are 3 actions you can begin to take to retrain the amygdala:
1. Deep Breathing: Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps to activate the body's relaxation response, reducing tension and anxiety.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves focusing your attention on the present moment, without judgment. You can practice mindfulness by simply paying attention to your breath, or by using guided meditations.
3. Take Small Steps to Shift your Self-Talk: Say: “I am willing to consider the possibility that I can do this,” instead of “There is no way I will ever figure this out.” When we shift our language, we begin to shift out mindset which can then reduce anxiety.
At The Non-Nine-to-Five™ we have an arsenal of tools and teachings that are not only easy to use BUT when used consistently and within a safe community, have you rewire your brain so you think differently, feel differently, act differently - allowing you to teach the amygdala that a business idea is NOT the same as a saber tooth tiger attacking you.
Seeing you Successfully Self-Employed (and not being attacked by a saber tooth tiger!)
- Jen