7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success – #5 Discouragement

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7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success – #5 Discouragement

Ever feel discouraged as a leader in your practice, a member of your community, or even within your family? It’s like asking if you have a pulse—discouragement is inevitable. If you’ve led anything for more than a few months, or even been part of something meaningful, you’ve likely felt its weight. It could come from many sources:

• Progress not happening as fast as you’d like
• Achievements coming too slowly to feel fulfilling
• Coming off a great season but dreading the possibility of a slump ahead
• The voices of critics getting louder, making you question yourself

Some of you might even be discouraged enough right now to consider calling it quits. If that’s you, take a moment. Discouragement is a natural part of leadership and life, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. If you don’t face it head-on, a discouraging day can quickly turn into a discouraging week, then a month, and before you know it, a season of discouragement. Eventually, it can lead to quitting or, even worse, staying in place but never realizing your full potential.

Discouragement happens to everyone, but it doesn’t have to lead to defeat. If you can master the art of handling discouragement, you’ll find that it often paves the way to new opportunities and renewed energy. You see, the root word of discouragement is courage, which means that every time you feel discouraged, it’s your courage that’s being tested. These feelings of rejection and failure might try to deal a blow to your inner source of courage, but if you allow them to, they can also be the catalyst for your greatest growth.

How Do You Handle Discouragement?

Let’s face it—it’s easy to get discouraged in life, especially when you’re chasing your dreams. We push and push until we feel like we can’t push anymore. The weight of the world rests on our shoulders, and we eventually buckle under the pressure, wondering if it’s all worth it. Whether you’re playing catch-up or trying to get ahead, discouragement will always be waiting around the corner.

But here’s the good news: discouragement doesn’t have to consume you. It’s a challenge, yes, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. The key is to recognize it, address it, and move forward with renewed strength.

Discouragement is Like Arthritis

Discouragement is like arthritis—it makes it hard to function, reduces your flow, and cramps your style. It’s normal to feel discouraged at times; you just don’t want to stay there. Much like arthritis, which requires ongoing treatment and care, discouragement needs to be managed so it doesn’t cripple your progress.

To overcome discouragement, here are three strategies you can use to regain your courage and keep moving forward:

1. Get Your Body Moving

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for combating discouragement. When you move your body, your brain releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that help improve your mood. Physical activity can also help you break out of isolation and put you in touch with others, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and despair.

I once worked with a woman named Sarah, who was feeling discouraged after a business deal fell through. She was on the verge of giving up. Instead, she decided to sign up for a local 5K race. The training not only improved her mood but also reignited her determination to succeed in business. By moving her body, she was able to move her mind in a more positive direction. When you feel discouraged, grab your list of favorite physical activities and choose one. You’ll be surprised how much lighter your challenges feel afterward.

2. Count Your Blessings

In times of discouragement, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. But shifting your focus to gratitude can make a world of difference. Counting your blessings means taking a moment to appreciate the good things in your life, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Oprah Winfrey famously said, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Keeping a gratitude journal or a list of daily “wins” can help you redirect your focus from disappointment to gratitude. The next time you feel discouraged, take a moment to reflect on your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

3. Show Compassion to Others

One of the most powerful ways to combat discouragement is to turn your attention outward. When you focus on helping others, you not only lift their spirits but also elevate your own. Whether it’s taking a friend out to lunch, offering to help a colleague, or even giving a stranger a smile, acts of kindness can break the cycle of discouragement.

I remember a time when I was feeling particularly low, overwhelmed by the pressures of leadership. A close friend was going through a difficult time, so I decided to show up for her, even though I didn’t feel like I had much to give. Spending time with her and offering support shifted my focus away from my own struggles, and in the process, I felt my own burdens lighten. Helping others in times of discouragement can be a lifeline not just for them but for you as well.

Dreamers Are World Changers

Are you struggling to dream again? Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged in your life right now? If so, you’re not alone.

I have helped many people in similar situations find more joy, clarity, and fulfillment in their lives, and I would love to help you too. To learn more about how you can join our community and mastermind group, click HERE. In this group, you’ll learn how to develop a winning mindset to overcome limitations, like low self-esteem and discouragement. I look forward to helping you on your journey.

Remember, dreamers are world changers. Dare to dream! Dare to believe! Dare to take action today!

As one of my favorite quotes by Winston Churchill reminds us, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Take the Next Step

Discouragement is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. You have the power to push through, regain your courage, and pursue your dreams with renewed passion. If you’re ready to dive deeper into overcoming Dream Killers, check out my eBook, 7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success. It’s filled with actionable strategies to help you protect your dreams and keep moving forward.

Click HERE to get your copy of 7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success today! And stay tuned for our next post in this series. Until then, remember to Dream Big, Take Risks, and become the CEO of YOU®!