One thinking error that most of us engage in involves the belief that we can’t walk away from a given situation.
This type of thinking leaves us feeling anxious and angry because we feel “trapped.” We can become resentful of others who are “keeping us” in an undesirable situation.
But what if you looked at your situation a little differently?
For example, many of my clients feel trapped in their jobs. Some believe they can’t leave because of the possible reduction in salary.
When they look at their situation more closely, they usually acknowledge that (true) they might lose some income. This would lead to adjustments in their lifestyles. Maybe they would have to sell their homes and move into something more modest. Maybe there would be fewer opportunities for better cars, vacations, etc.
Most of the time the adjustments are not as bad as they were imagining. They realize they CAN make the change…but they don’t want to.
They often decide to keep the lifestyle they currently have.
Notice the word “decide.” It implies a choice. Doing a mindset shift helps clients to acknowledge that they aren’t trapped. Even though the conditions are difficult, they prefer the benefits of working at their current job over adjusting their lifestyles.
Clients change their mindset to acknowledge that they can leave the jobs. There would be outcomes stemming from their choices, but those outcomes are mostly a matter of inconvenience rather than catastrophe. So, they are making a trade-off.
They are Choosing.
Recognizing that you are making a choice rather than being forced will reduce the stress and resentment you feel. Acknowledging the choice will not make your working conditions any better, but it will give you the space for approaching things with a more peaceful mindset.
The very best to you.