You’ll Figure It Out

Standing in the middle of a cobblestone street, with two backpacks attached to my body, freshly plummeted into a new and foreign country, no knowledge of the language, and without the lifeline I have come to rely upon – a phone with wifi or any sort of internet connection. In most senses of the word, I’m lost.

But really, if we stop and think about it, are we ever not lost?

It’s the same situation I’ve come to find myself in about as often as my body requires food; anywhere between 3-10 times a day… with nothing but my own two feet and the brain in my head to get me to where I want to go. Being six weeks in to my travels as I write this, it’s a situation I’ve found myself in on numerous occasions, but the thoughts that race through my mind are of no consequence to me. I don’t know much, but I do know one thing – I’ll figure it out.

Each time is a little less frightening than the time before, because the belief that I’ll figure it out becomes a little bit stronger. A strong sensation in knowing that I have everything I need to figure out the answers and to get through whatever is thrown my way.

And when I stop and think about it, that cobblestone street in Switzerland really isn’t that different from the middle of the boardroom, from being on the hot seat during an interview or slammed with seemingly endless work amid a 60-hour week. It’s not that different from the terrifying feeling of graduating school without a job, of quitting to start a new career path, of picking up a new sport for the first time, or of leaving a relationship.

As we sit, terrified of not knowing the answer, or of not knowing our direction, or of not knowing what should come next, let one thing be clear in your mind – you’ll figure it out.

Self-efficacy. That’s what it really is. Your belief in your own abilities to deal with various situations. It helps you remain calm in stressful or challenging conditions and increases confidence in mastering new areas. Studies show that self-efficacy leads to performing better – in whatever taxing or worrisome situation that you encounter. The best part is, self-efficacy is just like any muscle in your body, you can always strengthen it.

So, focus on building your self-efficacy and being mindful that you already have everything you need within yourself.

If you aren’t quite there yet, don’t worry… you’ll figure it out.

Sara