Empowering Your Educational Journey: Overcoming Barriers and Achieving Goals

Explore your past experiences with math, identifying sources of anxiety or negativity. Challenge self-limiting beliefs and reframe math as a skill that can be developed. This exercise is related to Self-Efficacy Theory, building confidence in your ability to succeed.

“My kids, as I watch them go to school and hear them say, Mom, I'm bad at math. I'm not a math person. Like, I know that that came from me...”

Create and repeat positive affirmations about your ability to learn and succeed in math. Focus on building confidence and replacing negative self-talk with encouraging statements. This promotes self-compassion and a growth mindset.

“I can do it, and you can do it too.”

Dedicate 15 minutes each day to learning something new, whether it's reading a book, taking an online course, or listening to a podcast. This leverages implementation intentions by setting a specific time and place for learning.

“The way that we can get to that end is to make small decisions every day that we're educating ourselves, so that when it comes time to make the big step of going back to college, say, you've challenged yourself in small ways every single day, so that you're ready for that next step.”

Reflect on how your educational goals align with your values and contribute to your overall purpose in life. Write down your reasons and revisit them regularly. This taps into the gamification element of 'meaning' by linking actions to a larger purpose.

“When things get hard and I'm going to school, I just have to remember the reasons that I'm doing it. And for me, that's because I believe that women should progress throughout their lives.”

Visually represent your educational and career goals through a vision board. Use images, quotes, and symbols that inspire you and remind you of your purpose. Dedicate time weekly to update or refresh your vision board.

Choose a skill related to your educational or career goals and practice it consistently. Track your progress and celebrate milestones. Dedicate time weekly to practice this skill.

“And I think that one way that I was able to educate myself was to start serving in nonprofit sort of ways.”