putting too much pressure on yourself?
read this for a loving reminder✨
Hi my sweet friend,
I started full-time classes in my program at the beginning of the year rather than part-time and also have a part-time job at a health food store while also trying to socialize and take some time for myself, and I have been overwhelmed, to say the least. I thoroughly enjoy my program and the people I have met through it, but put a lot of pressure on myself to absorb all the information and be the best student I can be. Sound familiar? I know I am not alone in my over-achieving mindset.
Since I was quite young, I have always strived to be the best I could at whatever I did. Whether it was school, my sport, or even just being a good kid. That mindset has carried with me to today and I am now learning how much unnecessary stress it causes me. I find myself overwhelmed with the idea that I am not absorbing everything I learn, and question whether or not I am going to be good at my job, and all of these other limiting beliefs that take over my mind space. But then one of the students in my class shared that she was feeling the same way and everyone reminded her (myself included) that we are not expected to remember everything. Even the best in the field have files of references that they go to because the majority of us do not have a photographic memory. So I decided to take my own advice and remind myself that my grades or the number of times I need to look over something before it actually sticks in my brain does not and will not determine the practitioner that I will be.
It’s a hard thing to do, trusting ourselves enough to let go of the pressure and remind ourselves of our capability. I also think that having a healthy amount of passion and “worry” is a good thing, because that just means we care. Caring often holds with it a small amount of worries or stress. We won't be able to get rid of it fully. But, it shouldn't take over the entirety of our thoughts.
Because I know I am not the only one who feels this way, I encourage you to repeat to yourself the affirmation below as much as you need to. As humans, we strive to be the best we can be and worry so much about our future that it takes away from simply enjoying the learning process. I know, I know, easier said than done, but even the slightest weight off our shoulders can bring so much relief.
Repeat after me: My ability to withhold all of the information I learn does not determine the [insert your field of work] I will be. I choose to be gentle with myself and remind myself often that I am capable of being good at what I do without putting so much pressure on myself.
Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, go for a mental health walk or coffee with a friend. Everything is working out exactly as it should.
Sending you love and hugs,
Bella