Learned Helplessness

Most suffer from a condition known as “Learned Helplessness.” Wikipedia has an explanation: A condition where, though we have solutions available to us to solve our problems, we have gotten so used to NOT solving them that we have  “learned” that there is nothing that can be done to solve any problems.   For example, a woman who feels shy in social situations may eventually begin to feel that there is nothing she can do to overcome her symptoms. This sense that her symptoms are out of her direct control may lead her to stop trying to engage herself in social situations, thus making her shyness even more pronounced.

Isn't it a common consensus: "But what can you do?" Acceptance, right?

WRONG...The FIRST step for real change is awakening to the fact that there is a solution- and that it is likely to be chaotic until the changes happen. Turn your focus inward, it is time for a change. As people, we fear change, but the changes are often meaningful and revelatory. The message of change can be difficult, but it is through overcoming obstacles and difficulties that we grow the most. Do not become fearful or uncomfortable when confronted with the challenge, instead anticipate the end result. If you’re having difficulty realizing what should change, then change the way you’re looking at yourself or a problem. Trust in your intuition that which needs to be changed will be revealed.  Learn to understand the meaning buried in the symbols and messages that surround you. The energy of your will can be used to shape and create the life you've always dreamed of. This ties into the message of change, not only can you change internally, but you can change the external. Again, people often dread this because developing strong willpower, changing, or exercising your intention, takes dedication and persistence.

Keep the following six concepts in mind to eliminate learned helplessness:

1. Change is possible. If you don't think your life can improve, you won't take any steps to improve it. You must first open your mind to the possibility that your current situation actually can improve. If you are still having a hard time accepting this, ask yourself if it is possible for your life to get worse because of steps you take. If your life can't get worse as a result of your actions, there's no reason it can't get better, too.

2. Think big. Think outside of your self-imposed restraints. If you think big enough, you will have the motivation to take the initial steps and the fuel to keep progressing, even in the face of challenges and disappointment.

3. Get perspective. If your friend were in your situation, wouldn't you encourage her to think about her situation objectively and to take whatever action that is appropriate? What would you tell her?

4. Set goals. Just the act of setting goals will help you overcome the feeling that you have no control over your future. The energy and thought process required to set goals will get your mind thinking in a whole new way.

5. Achieving successes. One of the best ways to overcome the belief that your actions don't affect your future is to start achieving small successes. While goals must be big and motivating, there should also be small and achievable goals along the way.

6. Consider a different viewpoint.  "Optimistic people tend to interpret troubles as transient, controllable, and specific to one situation. Pessimistic people, in contrast, believe that their troubles last forever, undermine everything they do and are uncontrollable." In short, if we can change the way we explain the events that occur in our lives, we will be less likely to suffer from learned helplessness.

You do have influence over your life. Even if you don't believe it right now, act as if you do. Start small so you can begin to see how your actions produce results. Your mind is the  keeper of secrets, and a protector of truth. An interesting note about this protection is that our minds often protect us from difficult truths, or inner demons. But unless faced, the challenge will persist.  Don’t expect change to come overnight, face your own inner challenges, it takes time to untangle the knots you've spent years making. The knots are like blocks, untangle them, follow the threads, and great inner truths will be revealed.

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Jaylene Welch

MBFC Content Manager

Don't Diet, Live Fit!

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