The Confidence Podcast Trish Blackwell

Podcast #565 OPTIONAL DRAMAThere's a fine line between fact and fiction in our thoughts. This episode will teach you how to understand the difference between thoughts you should believe and thoughts you should change if you want to decrease your stress levels and enjoy your life more. You'll discover how to de-dramatize your thinking and determine with thoughts are creating "optional drama". These confidence tips this week will help you live with more confidence ease, and mental peace.In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're talking about:* Optional drama, and how it's making your life harder than it needs to be* The Fact vs. Fiction question you need to be asking yourself* How to feel less stressed and drama-free in your lifeREVIEW OF THE WEEKSPONSORSHIP NOTE:“This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CONFIDENCEPOD and get on your way to being your best self.”Do you ever find that just as you’re trying to fall asleep, your brain suddenly won't stop talking? Do your thoughts start racing right before bed or at other inopportune moments? I used to think that having a racing mind was normal. I thought that I would always feel overwhelmed and burdened with anxiety. It turns out, one great way to make those racing thoughts go away is to talk them through. Therapy gives you a place to do that, so you can get out of your negative thought cycles and find some mental (and emotional) peace. It’s helpful for learning positive coping skills and how to set boundaries; it empowers you to be the best version of yourself; it isn’t just for those who’ve experienced major trauma; etc.If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It’s entirely online. Designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge.Get a break from your thoughts, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash CONFIDENCEPODtoday to get 10% off your first month. That's www.betterhelp.com/confidencepodWHAT IS OPTIONAL DRAMA?"Optional drama thoughts" typically refer to thoughts that may not be necessary or productive, but can still create unnecessary stress, conflict, or emotional turmoil. These thoughts often contribute to drama in our lives, making situations more complicated than they need to be. Here are some examples of optional drama thoughts:Assuming the Worst Intentions:* "They didn't invite me to the event; they must be purposely excluding me."* "She didn't respond to my message immediately; she must be mad at me."Creating Conspiracy Theories:* "I'm sure they're all talking about me behind my back."* "There must be some hidden agenda behind why they're being so nice."Blowing Things Out of Proportion:* "If I make one mistake at work, I'll probably get fired."* "He disagreed with my idea; he must hate everything I suggest."Playing the Victim:* "Nothing ever goes my way; life is always unfair to me."* "People are always taking advantage of my kindness."Exaggerating Small Issues:* "This minor inconvenience ruined my entire day."* "If she doesn't like my post, it means she's no longer my friend."Jumping to Conclusions:* "They canceled our plans; they probably don't want to spend time with me."* "He didn't acknowledge my greeting; he must be angry with me."Gossiping and Speculating:* "I heard that she did something really embarrassing; let me tell you all about it."* "I think there's something going on between them; I saw them talking."Assuming Everyone's Attention is on You:* "I know everyone noticed when I stumbled; they're all laughing a...

Podcast #564 MORNING ANXIETY VS. EVENING ANXIETYWhether you're an early riser grappling with dawn's anxieties or a night owl navigating the challenges of evening unease, this episode offers practical strategies to help you find peace and balance throughout your day. Tune in to gain a better understanding of your anxiety patterns and learn techniques to enhance your mental well-being. Anxiety can express itself, and be triggered, differently depending upon the time of day and upon your core thought patterns. This is an episode you don't want to miss if you want to decrease your overall anxiety in life … and when you decrease anxiety, you increase peace and confidence. In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're coaching on:* The differences between morning anxiety and evening anxiety* 5 simple habits that reduce overall anxiety* Specific shifts you can make for morning anxiety vs. evening anxietyANNOUNCEMENT:Life is short.www.trishblackwell.com/100statementsREVIEW OF THE WEEK:MORNING ANXIETY VS. EVENING ANXIETYMORNING ANXIETYWhat are your behaviors?-Snooze-Over-caffeinationEVENING ANXIETYWhat are your behaviors?-Avoidance-BufferingTriggers:Morning Anxiety: Morning anxiety can sometimes be triggered by the anticipation of a stressful day ahead, worries about upcoming responsibilities, or a racing mind as you wake up and start thinking about your to-do list.Evening Anxiety: Evening anxiety may be triggered by worries about the events of the day, concerns about the future, or fears related to bedtime or sleep.Physical Symptoms:Morning Anxiety: Physical symptoms of morning anxiety can include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal discomfort.Evening Anxiety: Physical symptoms of evening anxiety may manifest similarly, but they can also include trouble falling asleep, restlessness, and nighttime awakenings.Coping Strategies:Morning Anxiety: Coping with morning anxiety may involve relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise to help reduce cortisol levels and calm the mind.Evening Anxiety: Coping with evening anxiety may focus on stress management throughout the day, setting aside time for relaxation and winding down before bedtime, and creating a calming bedtime routine.Causes:Morning Anxiety: Morning anxiety may be more common among individuals who have a higher baseline level of anxiety or those who have a demanding and stressful daily schedule.Evening Anxiety: Evening anxiety can result from unresolved worries, anticipation of events, or rumination on past events, which may become more pronounced as the day winds down.5 SIMPLE HABITS THAT REDUCE ANXIETY* Brushing your brain* Breathing with purpose* Bossing your brain* Being intentionally grateful* Be still MORNING ANXIETY REDUCTION ACTIONS-Intentional music-Ideal nighttime routine-The 2-Minute Journal-Breathing exercisesEVENING ANXIETY REDUCTION ACTIONS -Mood setting-Enjoyable and inviting non-screen evening wind down -Reduction of alcohol consumption-Live your own life (stop scrolling social media)-Breathing exercises-3-3-3 MethodOTHER EPISODES TO CHECK OUT:#563: First Thought: The Easiest Hack for Confidence#514: What to Do When You Wake up with Anxiety#560: Negativity and Sadness: How to Not Let them Overwhelm YouLISTENER OF THE EPISODEHey Trish, I just wanted to share as encouragement to you. A little back story, my husband is a firefight and right now he is gone for two weeks on a fire in another state with minimal cell service. My two kids and I started out the first week strong. I for the first time ever didn’t let myself go into a victim mindset or self pity. This is huge for me because it’s been my inner voice for as long as I can remember. That being said. Yesterday was hard. I woke up,

Podcast #563

 

FIRST THOUGHT: THE EASIEST HACK FOR INCREASING CONFIDENCE











The "First Thought" concept is one of the quickest and easiest ways to boost your confidence and to improve your overall happiness and productivity rate. This episode will give you the step-by-step process to training your first thought and to tapping more easily into a more positive brain. This process will help you have more positive days with less effort … and to implement the process requires less than 30 seconds.



ANNOUNCEMENT:





It's not too late to join Self-Doubt Detox:







Are you tired of self-doubt holding you back from reaching your full potential? It's time to break free and embrace a life filled with confidence and self-assurance. Join us for the Self Doubt Detox, a transformative event happening during the first week of September!







Don't miss this opportunity to reclaim your self-worth and reignite your self-belief. Mark your calendar and visit www.trishblackwell.com/detox for all the details and to secure your spot today.





REVIEW OF THE WEEK







FIRST THOUGHT OF THE DAY





The first thought of the day acts as a crucial anchor, setting the tone for the hours ahead and shaping our emotional landscape. Like the initial strokes on a canvas, this thought has the power to paint the hues of our entire day. Whether it's a positive affirmation, a sense of gratitude, or an anticipatory worry, that initial mental brushstroke can ripple through our thoughts and actions, influencing our reactions to challenges and interactions. A positive start often cultivates an optimistic outlook, enhancing resilience in the face of obstacles. Conversely, a negative or anxious beginning can cast a shadow, coloring moments with doubt and stress. Recognizing the impact of this early thought allows us to consciously choose and shape it, guiding our emotions and experiences towards a brighter, more fulfilling day.







Start observing it.







Set your own standards.







See for yourself.







Trash Thoughts







"Trash thoughts" is a colloquial term used to describe negative, unhelpful, or irrational thoughts that often lack a basis in reality or evidence. These thoughts may be self-critical, judgmental, anxious, or pessimistic, and they can contribute to feelings of stress, insecurity, or unhappiness. Trash thoughts tend to be automatic and may arise from cognitive biases, past experiences, or societal influences. They often undermine one's self-esteem, distort perceptions, and hinder rational decision-making. Recognizing and addressing these thoughts is an important step in maintaining mental well-being, as it allows individuals to challenge their validity and replace them with more constructive and accurate ways of thinking.







Clean Thoughts







The opposite of "trash thoughts" could be referred to as "empowering thoughts," "positive affirmations," or simply "constructive thoughts." These are thoughts that uplift, motivate, and contribute to a healthier and more balanced mindset. Empowering thoughts are rooted in reality, self-compassion, and a growth-oriented perspective, leading to improved emotional well-being and a more positive outlook on life.





FIRST THOUGHT DURING THE DAY





Every day, our minds generate an astounding number of thoughts—around 60,000 to 80,000 on average. However, it's important to recognize that just because a thought crosses our mind doesn't automatically make it a fact.

Podcast #562

 

CONFIDENCE FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEETINGS











In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're coaching on:



* How to be confident when it matters most 

* Confidence preparation tips 

* Letting go of the anxiety



 

REVIEW OF THE WEEK:



SELF-DOUBT DETOX





This 5 day event starts next week, grab your spot now at www.trishblackwell.com/detox







WHEN IT MATTERS MOST:





Be your best.







Trust God with the rest.







Decide to be the type of person who any company would love to hire.







Be invaluable. 





CONFIDENCE PREPARATION

Confidence plays a crucial role in interviews as it helps you present yourself in the best possible light and make a positive impression on the interviewer. Here are some tips to boost your confidence during interviews:



Preparation is Key: Research the company, the role, and the industry thoroughly. Understand the job description and requirements, and prepare answers for common interview questions. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your answers with a friend, family member, or in front of a mirror. Practice will help you articulate your thoughts more clearly and reduce nervousness.

Body Language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. These nonverbal cues exude confidence and professionalism.

Dress Appropriately: Choose attire that suits the company culture and the role. When you feel well-dressed, it can boost your confidence.

Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments before the interview.

Visualize Success: Spend a few minutes visualizing yourself acing the interview. Imagine yourself answering questions confidently and making a positive impression.

Focus on Your Achievements: Prepare stories that showcase your skills and accomplishments. Sharing these examples can remind you of your abilities and enhance your confidence.

Listen Actively: Pay close attention to the interviewer's questions and respond thoughtfully. Active listening demonstrates confidence and shows that you're engaged in the conversation.

Pause Before Responding: Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering a question. A well-thought-out response is more effective than rushing into an answer.

Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the role and company, and it also shifts the dynamic from one-sided to more of a conversation.

Embrace Nervousness: Accept that some nervousness is normal. It's a sign that you care about the opportunity. Channel that energy into enthusiasm for the role.

Remember Your Value: Remind yourself that you have unique skills and experiences to offer. The interview is an opportunity for them to learn about you as much as it is for you to learn about the company.

Learn from Rejections: Even if you don't get an offer, view each interview as a chance to improve. Reflect on what went well and what you could enhance for the next interview.

Practice Mindfulness: Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises can help calm nerves before the interview. Taking a few deep breaths can have a calming effect on your mind and body.

Experience Matters: The more interviews you do, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. So,

Podcast #561 FORGIVING YOURSELF AND LOVING THE PAST YOUSelf-forgiveness is the start of freedom. If you're hard on yourself, and tend to beat yourself up for past mistakes or unhealthy habits, this episode is for you. Learning how to nurture a narrative of grace and compassion will open you to a powerful growth mindset and free you from the prison of a fixed and perfectionistic mindset. This episode will help you come to terms with your past self, and even find gratitude and appreciation for the mistakes, struggles and valleys you have walked through - even those that were self-inflicted - so that you can really maximize the person you have the ability to become in the present. In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're covering:* The process of self-forgiveness and letting go of being hard on yourself* How to love the past you, even the painful, poor decision-making you* Letting go and letting it be a part of your story with acceptanceANNOUNCEMENT:SELF-DOUBT DETOX WEEK REGISTRATION IS OPEN!Sign up for your spot now >>www.trishblackwell.com/detoxTHE PROCESS OF SELF-FORGIVENESSAcknowledge that it is needed.Release the dialogue that "you're hard on yourself"Identify your primary emotionDecide if you want to keep the emotionTell yourself a compassionate storyCreate a healing or growth-based take-awayLOVING THE PAST Y0U:Identify your current story.How do you describe yourself in this narrative?Generate Compassion:How does it make sense that you struggled?How is it okay now?How was what you went through something you grew through?Express Love and Thanks:In what ways can you thank your past self?How is she still deeply loveable?Forgive and Respect:I forgive for you not knowing how to handle pain.I forgive you for not having the skills of emotional management or thought work.I forgive you for hurting yourself. It made sense at the time.I release beating myself up. I have outgrown beating myself up. HOW I KNOW THIS PROCESS:I spent a decade being ashamed of my past self. Why couldn't I pull it together? Why did I make such painful and fearful choices, and then convince myself that I would struggle forever?DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOWWhat do you regret the most? How did you miss out?Identify what you wish you had known then.Then double down and intentionally create that for your present and your future.This is what fires me up in my core soul.LETTING GO AND ACCEPTANCEClose the chapter.Remember that all stories need pain points - a hero story.Decide that it was ultimately for your good. Accept your story.Decide upon your future story. LISTENER OF THE EPISODEOH MY GOSH!! You are amazing. So I’ve listened to Joyce Meyer for years. Lately, I have felt like GOD is leading me to something bigger. And there you were! I feel like your podcast and college of confidence is going to be life changing for me. I am going to purchase that on payday. I have always been loud and full of personality. I want to master all the skills you teach. BIG PICTURE, I want to be a life Coach, Speaker and eventually write a book. I have been through so much mental and physical trauma starting from childhood. I want to help women get through all the things I’ve had to endure. Molestation, rape, physical abuse and mental abuse. I lost my first child 2 days after delivery. I wish I would have had someone help me through all this. I am still trying to free myself from all this baggage. Where can I start?Thank you for listening, Rena’ TranscriptEmailDownloadNew TabUnknown Speaker 0:01 You're listening to the confidence podcast, your favorite coaching podcast oozing with motivation, inspiration, and confidence to help you boldly take action on your dream...

Podcast #560

 

NEGATIVITY AND SADNESS: HOW TO NOT LET THEM OVERWHELM YOU

In this episode we explore the balance between confidence, happiness, and the reality of experiencing negativity and sadness. When you give yourself permission to feel the full range of human emotions, your emotional fitness increases and your ability to take action in life when you're feeling down becomes more natural. This episode is for anyone who wants to live a positive life and make a positive impact; you'll learn how to not be discouraged by the negativity and setbacks you experience along the journey of purpose and impact.  











In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're coaching on:



* Staying confident and happy while also feeling negativity and sadness 

* A new approach to feeling your emotions and effectively talking to them

* What not to do when you're sad and overwhelmed or in a season of struggle



REVIEW OF THE WEEK: 



THE PROCESS OF FEELING YOUR EMOTIONS





All your feelings.







Learn to understand them.







Make friends with them.







Normalize and neutralize.







5N Process for Feeling:







Notice (awareness and curiosity)







Narrate (talk as if you were it and then talk to it)







Normalize (this is part of being human, let it make sense)







Neutralize (expand your perspective and reframe)







Next (decide what new emotion you want to start to generate or the new path forward)







The more you are willing to feel, the more you can achieve in life.







I held myself back (unknowingly) because I was afraid of feeling-disappointed







-discouraged







-embarrassed







-judged 







-bored





SADNESS





It's okay to feel this sometimes. 







Learn to not run from it - to avoid or numb or buffer it.







Be curious.Know your triggers, energy patterns and hormonal patterns





NEGATIVITY

Seasons of negativity - when everything feels like it's going wrong.

I notice this in myself when I struggle to reframe, when my brain offers cynicism, when I feel like giving up, when I snap at my husband or when I'm impatient with my children. Don't judge this - open to it. 

If you keep thinking things are going to be hard, they will be.

-Am I making this harder than it seems?

-How is today easy in some ways and hard in others?

(I notice I get fixated on how far something is when I feel like my day is hard or that it's going to be hard - I then start to feel sorry for myself; know where your negativity voice stems from -- mine comes from a victim mentality / it shouldn't be this hard / it's not fair) 

Question and get curious:

-Am I managing my mindset?

-Have I allowed some of my habits of excellence to get sloppy?

-Where am I allowing negative influences in?

-How often am I proactively reframing my thoughts?

-Am I insisting on positivity and possibility in my life?

Emotional maturity and the ability to feel your feelings opens the gateways of life.

SPONSORSHIP





This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CONFIDENCEPOD and get on your way to being your best self.”







Sometimes we're faced with a crossroads in life,