Let's talk about learned helplessness and the steps to take to overcome it.

Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, you can’t seem to improve your situation? Like you’re stuck in a rut and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t get ahead? If so, you may be suffering from learned helplessness.

Learned helplessness is a clinical syndrome that refers to a constellation of symptoms that develops in people who have experienced repeated failures or helplessness in the face of a challenging situation. The syndrome most commonly affects individuals who have experienced abuse or trauma in their lives. It can lead to decreased motivation, decreased self-esteem, and a decreased sense of control.

We all know how it feels when we can't escape a difficult situation. Maybe our car has a flat tire on the side of the highway, or we can't find a job no matter how many applications we fill out. The situation seems hopeless, and we feel helpless.

It’s the belief that you cannot change a situation, so you might as well give up. It's a negative mindset that can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. You might start to believe that you're powerless, which can lead to passivity and make you less likely to take action or even try.  You can overcome learned helplessness by understanding it and taking small steps to change your mindset.

So how do you overcome learned helplessness, here are 5 steps to take:

1. The first step is to recognize when you're feeling helpless. Pay close attention to your feelings and thoughts. If you find yourself thinking, I can't do this, or It's pointless, those are signs of learned helplessness. Once you're aware of the feeling, you can start to challenge it.

2. Start by asking yourself if you're thinking about the situation in a negative way. If the answer is yes, take a step back and try to analyze the situation more objectively.  Next, try to come up with a plan of action.

3. Be patient. Changing your mindset takes time, and you won’t change overnight. It might take a few weeks or months, but over time, you’ll start to see changes.  By continuing to take small steps and working on changing your mindset, you’ll be on your way to overcoming learned helplessness.

4. Next, try to recall the times in your life when you've succeeded despite feeling helpless. These memories can give you strength.  Then, take small steps to change the situation.

5. Keep your expectations realistic. Don't try to do too much too quickly. Instead, take small steps and build on your success.  Remember, it takes time and effort to change a habit, but with patience and consistency, you can overcome learned helplessness.

Remember that no matter how tough the situation seems, there is always a way to overcome it. If you keep taking small steps, eventually you will reach your goal.

Finally, remember that you're not alone. There are people who have overcome learned helplessness before you. Look for resources online or in your local library. And don't hesitate to ask for help from your friends and family.