Have you ever been reluctant to release a project, post your honest opinion, or share an idea?
Often, when I’m about to release a finished project, I’m met with a mix of excitement, nervous energy, and, if I’m honest, a heavy dose of self-doubt. My inner critic inevitably shows up, whispering every version of the same fear: What if they don’t like my work? What if they don’t like me?
This mental spiral happens when I finalize a workbook, craft a talk, or prepare a presentation. That familiar critique perches on my shoulder, questioning the value of my work, poking at insecurities I thought I’d buried.
Sound familiar? If you’ve ever hesitated to release your ideas into the world, you’re not alone. But I’ve discovered something powerful: you can reset your thinking.
What Does It Mean to Reset Your Thinking?
Resetting your thinking means interrupting the negative mental chatter that keeps you stuck in fear, doubt, or insecurity. It’s about shifting your focus away from what could go wrong and toward what’s possible. Think of it as hitting the mental “Reset” button, clearing space for confidence, clarity, and action.
Why is this essential? Because the thoughts you focus on will continually expand. They will either empower you or paralyze you. Without a reset, letting fear and doubt keep you from moving forward is easy.
Why Gratitude is the Gateway to a Mindset Reset.
Gratitude is a powerful tool because it shifts your attention away from fear and toward abundance. When I embrace gratitude, my perspective shifts from dwelling on what’s missing to appreciating what’s already present. This mindset unlocks courage, empowering me to take bold, confident steps forward.
I turn to my gratitude ritual when caught in a whirlwind of self-doubt. It’s a practice that never fails to reset my thinking and ground me in possibility.
Here’s how it works:
- Acknowledge the Gift of Your Idea: I begin by recognizing that the idea I’m working on—a book, a talk, a project—was gifted to me. This shift helps me see my work as a blessing rather than a burden. I also reflect on the mentors who have poured into me, sharing their wisdom and guidance. I honor the incredible people who have supported my journey by taking action on my idea. Their belief in me reminds me to believe in myself.
- Honor Those Who Have Found Value in My Work: I take a moment to reflect on the lives my work has already touched. The people who have shared their gratitude for the insights, tools, or encouragement they’ve received remind me that my work has value. This reflection fuels my motivation and gives me the courage to keep going, knowing that even more people can benefit from what I’m about to release.
- Focus on the One Person You Can Help: Finally, I shift my focus to the impact my work could have on just one person. If my project blesses even one life, then it’s worth it. Gratitude gives me the courage to take that leap of faith, knowing my work doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be shared.
This simple gratitude practice allows me to reset my thinking, calm my inner critic, and move forward with courage. The truth is, your inner critic will always have something to say. But when you lead with gratitude, you silence the voice of doubt and open yourself to possibility.
An Invitation to Reset
If you’re sitting on an idea, a book, a talk, a presentation, but fear is holding you back, I want you to hear this: You have a unique perspective, insight, and voice that the world needs.
Reset your thinking. Start with gratitude. Reflect on those who have supported you, those who your work has already blessed, and the one person whose life you could touch next.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step.
What’s one idea, one project, or one action you’ve been holding back on? Share it below, and let’s take the leap together.