Overcoming Fatalism

Fatalism is the feeling that every outcome is already fixed in place and destined to be negative no matter how hard you try to turn things around. It is a form of feeling out of control and powerless. When fatalism is on board, it is easy to give up and feel like your fate has already been decided. It is easy to feel like nothing good is ever going to happen. We don’t have to accept a bad life. We can influence outcomes and take steps that prove to us that our actions can impact and change outcomes. This is not true for every outcome, and that is ok. It is also not perfectly true that negative outcomes or more likely 100% of the time. We can figure out which dynamics lend themselves to change by questioning our circumstances and having a challenge mindset. Instead of accepting what fate has to offer, we can investigate and experiment with our own power to change outcomes. It begins with paying attention to thought patterns and when you find yourself thinking “it’s meant to be” or “there’s no point” challenging this acceptance. Ask yourself if this thought helps you accept the uncontrollable or if it’s stopping you from trying.

Accepting fate can be comforting, and moving away from fatalism requires a bit of discomfort. Investigating and challenging our perception of what is and what is not susceptible to our influence is empowering. It is a powerful feeling to know that you can influence outcomes and change your life. You don’t have to accept what does not serve you. By replacing the thought “It won’t work” with “What if I tried? What if it worked?”, you begin to make space for your own abilities. Understanding the radius of your influence creates room for hope. Knowing that you can control your effort, attitude, and response makes room for the positive. Looking for and acknowledging small positive changes you create will highlight your ability to create change and rebuild your sense of personal efficacy. You can start by taking one small action to make your day more positive to break the cycle of acceptance. I suggest starting with your morning routine and adding one small thing just for you. It can be the addition of a favorite beverage or some morning stretches. Something just for you.

You don’t have to wait to feel inspired: if you are not a morning person, then add something at another time of day. You have the power to choose when and what this small gift and pocket of positivity looks like for you. Another important step is detoxing your feed. Seek out uplifting content, such as podcasts, nature shows, or reading materials that foster hope. Limit exposure to negativity. This also includes the people in your life. Seek out people who focus on solutions rather than those who reinforce a feeling of helplessness or negativity. Actively look for positive or neutral things in your power to counter the habit of focusing on the negative. When things feel overwhelming, allow yourself to rest. Resting and recharging is important. Having a culture of self-compassion where your well-being is the central focus feeds positivity. I know this can sound selfish, but when we take care of ourselves we have more of ourselves to give. We also have more space to hope and work towards a future that has us excited. Changing our mindset and embracing our power is hard work, and we should be sure to balance the work we are doing with time to recharge and recalibrate. Taking care of ourselves is a key part of the process. We don’t have to change everything all at once. Every step, even the small ones, helps.