Transforming Self-Doubt: A Journey Through Therapy and Business
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Chapter 1: From Stagnation to Growth
Imagine this scenario: You’ve been operating your business for five years. However, it hardly feels like a true business. You find yourself acting passively, struggling to take decisive actions, setting goals but never following through, and allowing your emotions to dictate your productivity. As a result, your income fluctuates dramatically.
This was the reality for me as I managed Lookeesan Creatives for those five years.
Sure, I achieved some impressive opportunities and worked smartly, but I must admit, I didn’t put in the hard work necessary. When my husband faced employment challenges, it prompted a crucial question: Why had Lookeesan not become a source of stable income after all this time? Thus began my journey of self-exploration.
Battling Internal Struggles
Long before Lookeesan, I grappled with significant self-esteem issues. I often felt that something was inherently wrong with me, which led to negative self-talk and toxic behaviors.
I experienced anger management issues, passive-aggressiveness, jealousy towards others' achievements, and a tendency to take things too personally. I became easily overwhelmed, resorted to binge eating, and shifted blame onto my husband and parents. Most damaging of all, I frequently blamed myself.
These limiting beliefs severely impacted my decision-making in business, distancing me from my true potential.
Engaging with a Therapist vs. Confiding in Friends
“Why pay for therapy when you can just chat with a friend?” is akin to asking, “Why visit a dentist if you can brush your teeth?” While brushing is essential for dental health, if you face decay, you seek professional help.
I find that while sharing minor issues with friends can be beneficial, delving into deeper psychological concerns often feels burdensome to them. Engaging with a therapist allows you to learn effective techniques for reframing unhelpful thoughts. For instance, through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you identify distorted thoughts that cause issues (hello, overthinking) and work to reshape them.
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One of the first significant shifts in my therapy came when my therapist posed a simple yet profound question: “You often blame your childhood experiences for your flaws. What about the positive traits that emerged from those experiences?”
This question redirected my focus towards my strengths. I learned to seek assistance for tasks I struggled with and granted myself the grace to take necessary time. Releasing self-judgment was incredibly freeing.
The Ongoing Journey
Reframing thoughts can be challenging, but I recognize it as a skill that requires practice. A year into my self-discovery journey, I realized therapy doesn’t provide instant solutions, but it equips me with valuable mental tools for improved decision-making.
Now, I wake up each day with enthusiasm, ready to embrace new opportunities. The most significant change lies in how I treat myself—with kindness and compassion. Therapy has guided me through the complexities of my thoughts, and I celebrate this ongoing journey.
Key Takeaway: Seeking professional support is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a courageous act of self-care. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and there is no shame in asking for help to achieve your fullest potential.
You got this.
Chapter 2: Embracing Therapy's Impact
In this video, "How Therapy Transformed My Life and Business," the speaker shares personal insights into the profound changes that therapy has brought to both their personal and professional life.
The video "How Starting a Therapy Clinic Changed My Life" explores the transformative journey of establishing a therapy practice and its impact on the creator's life.