Overcoming "I Don't Know": Be Kind, Move, and Re-engage
It happens to the best of us: you're working away, everything's going smoothly, and then BAM! Something stops you dead in your tracks. Whether it's a technical glitch, an unexpected reply, or just a mental block on a project, that feeling of "I just don't know" can be incredibly frustrating. And often, it leads to a cascade of negative internal language: "I'm stupid," "I can't do it," "I must be too old."
This is when we need to hit the brakes on self-criticism and practice self-kindness. We would never speak to a friend or colleague that way, so why do we do it to ourselves? Start by replacing those harsh internal words with gentler, more honest affirmations like, "I haven't got it yet, but I'm going to," or "I don't understand yet." This rebalances your mindset without resorting to unrealistic positivity.
The next crucial step is to move your body. Step away from the challenging situation. Put the kettle on, do a quick chore, talk to your dog – whatever is easy and requires minimal thought. This physical shift helps to reset your brain. Once you've had a short break and done something simple, go back to the task. You might not instantly figure it out, but you're building a new, positive routine. This method often allows your subconscious to work on the problem, sometimes leading to a sudden breakthrough or the realization that someone else can help.
So, be kind to yourself, adjust your language, move your body, and then re-engage. You've got this!