Life takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, sometimes it feels really good, and other times it feels really bad. But how you perceive yourself through these experiences determines your mood.
The concept behind the idea of “acting as if" is the belief that you have the capability to be the person you would like to be. When you find yourself in what feels like a never-ending cycle of feelings you don't want, try to “act as if" you are the emotion you want to be. This can help you to rewire your brain to a new pattern of thinking.
Something to think about: If walking into a public space makes you nervous and lowers your confidence, you may end up avoiding public situations because they make you uncomfortable. What would happen if you “acted as if" you were experiencing a different emotion? What if you, instead, acted confident and fearless?
As people begin to act differently and to feel differently, they become different.
Try it out:
- Acknowledge the feelings you are feeling. Perhaps, you are feeling sad, unmotivated, angry, unconfident etc. These are normal reactions to difficult situations.
- Think of the feeling that you would like others to see. I want to be seen as happy, motivated, or confident.
- Think of a person that displays this feeling. This could be a friend, family member, a singer, or an actor on a show/movie.
- Watch how they act.
-
Act as if- put on your best acting and act like the emotion that you are wanting to accomplish. You can try this for an hour, a day, or even a week!
- Take notes about how you are feeling after “Acting as if"; note any mood changes, behavior challenges, or changes in the relationships around you. Ask yourself, did acting differently help to improve my mood?
Your brain is a powerful tool that wants you to feel and act your best. With time and practice you may be able to change your thinking. You have the power!
