Welcome to Day Five of my 7-day challenge, where I’m sharing simple, powerful tools to help you manage anxiety. Today’s topic: motivation—and how it can be your anchor when anxiety tries to take the wheel.
What Dreams Has Anxiety Delayed?
Pause for a moment. What motivates you? What dreams or goals do you have that anxiety is quietly—or not so quietly—getting in the way of? Maybe you’ve imagined a version of yourself who can walk into a crowded room, smile, and confidently say, “Hi, I’m [your name]. I’m so happy to meet you. Tell me about yourself.”
But maybe, the reality is different. If you struggle with social anxiety, even the thought of meeting new people, making small talk, or introducing yourself can feel overwhelming. So, you avoid it. You don’t go to events. You skip networking opportunities. You say no to that club, that volunteer group, that invitation.
Yet—there’s still a vision inside you.
Visualization: The Antidote to Avoidance
What would your life look like if anxiety weren’t so loud?
Picture it. That version of you who connects with ease, joins the conversation, contributes meaningfully, and leaves feeling proud—not drained. This isn’t a fantasy. It’s a guiding vision, and one of your most powerful tools.
Start by visualizing that version of you clearly. Then take it a step further:
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Write it down.
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Sketch it out.
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Create a note in your phone.
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Put sticky notes around your space.
Let your motivating vision be front and center in your life.
Anxiety Doesn’t Have to Disappear
It’s important to understand: this is not about getting rid of anxiety entirely. It’s about choosing to move toward your values even when anxiety is present. Use the tools I’ve shared over the past few days to manage the moment—but don’t wait for the fear to go away before you act.
Motivation can be your lighthouse in the fog. It’s the “why” that keeps you grounded and focused when anxiety tries to convince you to stay small.
Your Turn
So tell me:
What vision do you have for yourself? What’s one thing anxiety is stopping you from doing right now? I’d love to hear your story—and help you move forward.
Let’s connect.
– Jake Joy
Jake Mulyk
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