Reframing nervousness

Reframing nervousness

Let’s talk about reframing.

I get nervous about some new things – and some not so new things too.

For instance travelling to a new place; having to speak in public; speaking to a new client or meeting a new group of people.  Things like that.

We all get nervous sometimes don’t we?  Whether we care to admit it or not.

I do admit when I’m nervous.  I find myself saying it –  “I’m really nervous”.   

reframing nervousness - jumping man

It can sometimes make me feel negative about something I’m about to do.  I even sometimes wonder why I’m doing the thing in the first place.

Lately, I’ve been trying to reframe my nervousness into excitement. 

Although the emotions and feelings are the same whether you are nervous or excited about something, if I say I’m excited (rather than saying I’m nervous) it completely changes how I feel about it.

I might still get butterflies; lose my appetite, get a dry mouth, or wonder why I’m actually doing something that makes me feel like this.

But if I say I’m excited, it makes it a positive thing.  That’s the reframing.

I’ve been trying it out with coaching clients who say they are nervous or anxious about something they have to do.   They might be going for an interview for job they really want.  Or making a presentation to the Senior Team.  Or planning to run or cycle further than they’ve ever gone before.

Putting a positive, excited, spin on it can make a big difference.  

If you wake up in the morning and say “I’m really excited about ……”

If feels quite different to waking up and saying “I’m really nervous about …..”

Seeing something as an opportunity rather than a threat completely changes the look of it.

(I’m not talking here about anxiety which means something completely different to me.  Anxiety for me is far deeper seated.  

I’m talking about that jittery nervous feeling you get when you’re about to do something new or outside of your comfort zone). 

If you’re thinking about getting a coach or having a coaching session and it gives you the jitters (or if you’re nervous about something else entirely) then get in touch.

I’ll give you 30 minutes of my time to help you reframe those nerves into an exciting opportunity.

You can book a call with me here