Stop the Shoulda, Coulda Mindset!

What’s a busy entrepreneur to do when faced with the shoulda, woulda, coulda mindset?                                            

We’ve all been there, judging or criticizing ourselves or perhaps, being unable to let go of a mistake. When these thoughts happen every-day, it is a slippery slope into negativity and avoidance.

Procrastination is the thief of time and is often triggered by these types of thoughts and feelings. It’s fairly simple really. Negative thoughts of shoulds, oughts or musts imply a sense of obligation and lead to guilt if we don’t follow them.

Here are my satisfaction guaranteed tips to flip your mindset, reset your thoughts and get you back on track. They work, as long as you work them.

• First, ask yourself, would I ever speak to another person this way?  Probably not.Asking this question can help you show yourself compassion. 
• Next, stop. Visualize a large Stop Sign in your mind’s eye and repeat to yourself (you can also yell this if you prefer) STOP, STOP, STOP until you are able to interrupt the negative thoughts and redirect your mind.
• Finally, Get up and move – procrastination makes our energy sluggish, our minds cluttered and our emotions anxiety ridden. Pick one small thing you can do to begin and DO IT!

There is no substitute for taking action. Start small by returning an email or writing some notes in your journal.