Watch out for the thought, “I should know this.”
The need to know exactly how to proceed in all areas of your life causes worry and anxiety. It negatively impacts your health, self-esteem and relationships. “I should know this,” is a belief that needs to be changed.
Kristen recently joined a writer’s group. She dreamed of getting her historical fiction novel written and published. At the first meeting, she listened to the others share their successes, critique pieces of work, and commit to actions to take. As the meeting went along, she felt heavy, like she had molasses in her veins. Her faced reddened and she nibbled her nails to the point of pain. Her belief that she should know how to write a novel was stopping her from writing.
No belief is neutral. They dictate each decision you make and drive behavior.
Change your belief about what you think you should know. Try the following belief statements for one day:
“Wonderful surprises happen when I ask for and accept help.”
“I’m really good at sales, connecting with people, and learning new skills. Successful people embrace the discomfort that goes along with learning new skills, such as spending time learning how to write a storyline, and I’m a successful person.”
“Lifelong learners are open to new ideas, learning new and different ways of making their lives easier, and I’m a lifelong learner.”
Act as if you believe it’s not only OK to not know how to do something, it’s beneficial that you don’t.
