Quick thoughts - Learn self-efficacy

Small things make a difference.

Happy Friday folks! Earlier this week I was back on NPR’s 1A talking about how to find agency and self-efficacy in times of chaos. Today’s Quick Thoughts picks up on this topic. I hope it helps.

illustration via Shutterstock

Learn self-efficacy

People who have self-efficacy believe that in times of hardship their actions still have meaning.

It's not Pollyanna, like, everything will be fine, "calm down."

It's more like, "things are tough *and* the choices I make for my life, with my loved ones, matter, even if just a little bit."

So, the next time you think about how the world is on fire and everything is falling apart (both are true, yes), instead of sinking into cynicism, say to yourself, “yes, that’s true AND, what can I do this weekend to make my life feel a little more manageable, or joyful, or that makes a difference in the way me or my loved one’s feel?”

Maybe it’s coming back to an art project, or turning on a jazz radio station instead of reaching for the news, or maybe it’s asking…