Mindset Shifts for Overwhelm | Woodbury MN Photographer
Mindset Shifts for Overwhelm: Instead of This, Say This Instead
We all have days where everything feels heavy. The emails. The deadlines. Endless tasks. Decisions. Sometimes it’s not even the big stuff. It’s the little whispers in our heads saying “I can’t handle this” or “I’m not good enough for this!”
I’ve been there more times than I care to let on as a solopreneur photographer, as a business owner, as a mom, as a woman just trying to keep it all together. I have a hunch you are right there with me on this some days!
Recently, my therapist reminded me of the power of “I AM” statements.
Instead of forcing myself into a “just-be-positive” mentality, (which doesn’t always do the trick for me) these phrases below gently shift me back to what’s important for me. The truth that I am capable, worthy, and allowed to move through overwhelm with grace. Even when I stumble.
Note: Speaking of I AM…my studio has a teen photo session experience called I AM ME, which is a project created to help teens and pre-teens build their confidence and feel seen. Click here for details!
Here are some of my favorite mindset shifts to use when I’m feeling stuck:
Instead of saying:
“I can’t do this.”
Say this instead:
“I AM capable of figuring this out one step at a time.”
Instead of saying:
“This is too much.”
Say this instead:
“I AM allowed to pause and breathe before I take the next step.”
Instead of saying:
“I don’t know WTF I’m doing.”
Say this instead:
“I AM learning and growing every day.”
Instead of saying:
“I’ll never get caught up.”
Say this instead:
“I AM making progress, even in small steps.”
Instead of saying:
“I hate doing this part of the business.”
Say this instead:
“I AM grateful I get to run my own business, and I can do hard things.”
Instead of saying:
“I’m failing at this.”
Say this instead:
“I AM showing up for my dreams, even when it feels hard.”
Instead of saying:
“I should be better at this by now.”
Say this instead:
“I AM exactly where I need to be on my journey right now.”
These mindset shifts aren’t about ignoring your feelings or pretending everything is fine. They’re about supporting yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
IT’S OK TO SUPPORT YOURSELF!
A true mindset shift empowers you to face what's real with courage and growth, instead of just yelling "I'm fine!" like Ross Gellar while everything falls apart around you.
I see it in my photography clients all the time. The way we speak to ourselves shapes how we show up. When someone comes into my studio feeling nervous or insecure, I watch their energy shift as they hear words of encouragement and see themselves through my lens.
Imagine what would happen if we spoke to ourselves with that same compassion every day. Doesn’t it feel like you could simply conquer the world? Ok well, not THAT extreme, but that boost of self-awareness to give yourself the shift it needs to carry on to the next task, goal, or project.
Which phrase speaks to you today?
What would shift in your life if you spoke to yourself with kindness this week?
If you need a gentle reminder that you are worthy of being seen and celebrated, in photographs or in your everyday life, you know I’m here for you. Feel free to reach out anytime you need a little boost of confidence or want to plan your own portrait experience to see yourself through eyes of grace and strength.
Catch you in the next blog segment.
Fondly,
Monda the Photographer
