#127: Taking the Fear Out of Opportunities

FROM THIS SHOW:

Do you ever wonder if the reason you get “stuck” in the rut of bipolar symptoms is that you’re out of options to move forward with and get back to your life?

Or even worse, you have options but you’re too afraid to engage with them because being mentally ill makes it seem impossible to ever “step up”, because the opportunity will demand more from you than you can imagine giving right now?

Although it feels like nothing will change and the pressure is unbearable, this fear of opportunity seeking isn’t anything to ashamed of or hold over yourself in judgment.

If anything, it’s a GREAT sign that you care about who you are and what you do—especially how well you do it, given how well you’ve proven yourself in the past.

And you know without a doubt that life REWARDS to doers who do it well.

Today, Mike breaks down the myth of productivity and happiness being a prerequisite to do something different and to do it “uncomfortable” until you master the fear of opportunities.

What you’ll wind up with very soon is a return to confident living, and the ability to say you didn’t waste your life even though a severe brain illness tried its best to make that happen.

Don’t miss it!

Listen to the podcast:

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TAKEAWAYS 

• Opportunities that are most fearful for sufferers of bipolar usually involve money and/or intimate relationships lost, which is what cranks up the intimidation factor of pursuing open doors to getting those things back in order.

• If you’ve been off work or forced to take very limited hours or projects in your job due to bipolar illness, know that understanding the “how” of getting well FIRST is your new top priority, NOT getting yourself back to work as fast as possible.

• Opportunities that prove to be stimulating for you when you are healthy, and remain at least “aspirational” to you even when you’re mentall un-well, are GOOD. You being intimidated by them are a sign of HUMANITY, not weakness.

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

 “Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) What was the scariest opportunity you can remember being offered, and was it so scary that you passed on it?

2) When it comes to your mind’s stability, what really frustrates you about opportunities and seeing something you “could” be doing right now?

3) Is there something you need to make a decision on and “go after” that seems crazy and hard, but in the end, would actually be incredibly healthy and stabilizing for you?

4) How can I be helpful to you to take that invitation and see where it goes?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!