Unlocking Motivation and Outcomes Through Empathy
Just give a damn. Why is empathy so hard to practice? I read somewhere that empathy was on a decline. *inserts* Loudly Crying Emoji
Let’s back up first…
Empathy encompasses multiple interconnected processes: the emotional act of sharing someone's emotions, the cognitive act of adopting someone's perspective, and the motivational act of feeling compassion and a desire to help (Zaki, 2014). While it remains uncertain whether these components always coincide simultaneously, it is important to exert additional effort in order to activate each component. By doing so, we can cultivate the necessary motivation to live a profoundly satisfying life, both in our professional and personal endeavors.
As a success coach, it is my responsibility to truly understand my client’s personal and professional goals. It is absolutely crucial for both of us to wholeheartedly confront the obstacles and challenges on your journey. This journey all begins within your own mind and understanding what is necessary to get and keep you motivated.
We spend the majority of our days deep in our thoughts, so the conversations we engage in during this process are absolutely pivotal. How do you speak to yourself? What is the tone of your inner dialogue? Are you offering yourself encouragement or criticism? These intrusive thoughts can manifest themselves during job interviews, networking events, and even when applying for jobs. How often do you underestimate your own potential before even giving yourself a chance?
Empathy serves as a motivating force and a crucial component of self-compassion. As your advocate, I firmly believe that you are capable of achieving anything. However, merely telling your mind this is only half of the battle. You have the power to transform your mindset, unlock your potential, and ultimately achieve greatness.
So what does empathy as motivation look like in practice? Well, it starts with you making a decision to do something about your life and taking the leap. Connecting with a life coach, success coach, or mentor is a great way to get started. You will automatically feel like you've given someone else the reins, and you're on your way to achieving the professional and personal goals you've set for yourself.
Additionally, once you have committed to making this change, it is important to focus on how you communicate with yourself. This involves incorporating more positive self-talk into your daily routine. Negative self-talk, such as phrases like "This is stupid," "I'm wasting my time," "I'm not qualified," and "I'm going to fail," should be avoided. Instead, whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively or feeling defeated, it is crucial to pause and remind yourself that there is no time for those thoughts today. Choose to replace them with positive affirmations like "I am on the right path," "It's okay to fail and learn," "I am capable and qualified," and "I deserve to achieve the goals I have set for myself." Got it? Good.
Stay Inspired,
Eboni
Reference: Zaki J. (2014). Empathy: A motivated account. Psychological Bulletin, 140(6), 1608–1647. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037679
