Hello Brave One!
Some of the most inspiring moments in this writer’s life come from kid movies. Starting this newsletter on self-efficacy instantly brought to mind the scene from the Lego Movie where Morgan Freeman as Vitruvius says to Chris Pratt’s character, Emmit, “Believe! I know it sounds like a cat poster, but it’s true!”
Self-efficacy is simple in theory, and a learned skill to practice. Put in plain speaking terms self-efficacy is the belief in the ability to control your behaviors which in turn can influence your motivations, emotions and confidence in confronting difficult triggers. What are some ways to strengthen your self-efficacy? Talk kindly to yourself, believe in your power and celebrate your successes! Write yourself a love note, tell a friend about something challenging you did, and honor other people’s successes too!
What do you do when you feel like you don’t believe? Practice telling yourself you do.
“This is really tough right now but I can do this.”
“I might make mistakes or it may not turn out perfectly but I am going to try my best.”
Place post-it notes around your home and space, read motivational stories, picture yourself overcoming your obstacles. The more you practice thinking about it, the easier it will be to believe!
Stay Brave!
The OCD MN Team