I felt like I was trapped inside of my own head. I felt groggy, unmotivated, and I didn’t want to do the things that usually put a smile on my face. The thing that bothered me most — I couldn’t pinpoint why I felt like this. I go to my dream school, am surrounded by amazing friends, and have the most supportive family that I could ever ask for. Yet, I still found myself laying in bed, feeling alone and stressing about my future. And, to be honest, I still have days where I feel like this. It wasn’t until I began investing in my own self that I saw change. At first, it was slow — I would go on a walk or force myself to walk on the treadmill. Eventually, I realized that there is no one coming to save the day. Never, in a million years, is anyone coming to save you. You can interpret that however it is applicable to your own life, but, bottom-line:
you are the only one who has the power to change your own life and to change your mindset.
As 20-something-year-olds, we have ideas of how we want our futures to look and it makes us nervous (understandably so!). Rather than sulking in our own worries, be present. As cliché as it sounds, no amount of worrying that you do right now will change anything in the future. Be confident in yourself. Be confident in your actions. Be confident that you will be successful, however you deem that to look for yourself.
Do not wait for someone to bring life to you. The ones who have the most regret throughout their lives blame other people. The one and only person who can affect your attitude, confidence and mindset is you. It took me a while to realize this, and it takes a lot of self-reflection to do so. You have to be an active member of your own life. Initiate the steps it takes to have a strong mindset, and you will see how your life will change right before your eyes.
For me, this looked like listening to podcasts, music, journaling, working out and being outside. I have an article full of life-changing and mind-altering podcasts that truly pushed me to realize the influence we have on our lives. As far as music, I find the most comfort in playlists that remind me of my hometown. I have also started writing and thinking about what I am grateful for each day, setting me up for a great day. Working out is not only good for you, but makes you happier. I’ve found myself happiest doing barre classes, surrounded by other individuals who push themselves to be their best versions of themselves. Finally, fresh air is one of the biggest game changers that have positively influenced my mindset. Whether it be a short walk around my neighborhood or a long hike by the river, these steps open up our minds and clear our head. Becoming our happiest, most confident selves looks different for every single person. No matter how that may look to you, start the change. Remind yourself that you, and only you, affect your attitude.