24 July 2023 , 08:33
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Taking the leap into anything new can be daunting - be it moving to a new location, a new job or re-entering education later in life, and often you can be your own worst enemy.
Your inner critic rears its head and makes you question what you’re doing; can you do it? Are you capable? Are you going to fail?
and Arctic explorer, Mark Wood, share how to overcome the stages of self-doubt, helping you to silence your inner critic and realise your life goals.
The seed of inspiration
Find the idea that inspires you or spurs you on. Consider it carefully and use that as your starting point. You know what you want to do or what you want to achieve, and the next vital step is planning.
Renowned explorer Mark Wood, who holds an honorary doctorate from Arden University, shares how to find a seed of inspiration – whether that’s a solo expedition across the Arctic or retraining in a new field – grab onto it and use it as a springboard. Plan around the main goal.
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Once you’ve found something that inspires you, look at how you can achieve something incredible with it.
Each year there are to UK universities – making up more than a third of all entrants.
People who have had inspiration and want to return to education need to take that seed of inspiration, coupled with self-belief, and go for it!
At Arden University, work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing every application.
All qualifications are career-focused, and learners get pre-arrival support, induction and introduction sessions, to help their seed of inspiration grow into a reality.
Additionally, students benefit from ongoing support throughout their studies to help them succeed.
The momentary overwhelm
Arden University is focused on helping people to overcome any barriers to learning (Adrian Stefanowicz / Arden University)However, it’s not always plain sailing. Once you take steps towards your goal, you can often encounter obstacles or criticisms - be that from other people or your own inner critic.
Self-doubt or overwhelm can set in, and at this point, it’s important to take a step back to build positive self-efficacy and understand the resources you have available to achieve your goals.
When it comes to education, Arden is focused on helping people to overcome any barriers to learning they may have at this stage.
Every course is flexible to fit any stage of life, and students can access study materials 24/7, 365 days a year, so students can study at their own pace, moulding learning around busy schedules of work, childcare or other life responsibilities.
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Mark Wood says: "By all means, listen to other people, but also have the confidence to disregard their input or criticism if you have the knowledge and self-belief that you are able to accomplish what you’ve set out to achieve."
The crisis of confidence
Mark continues: "We’ve all been there, you get started and then that voice inside your head casts doubt. Something might not have gone to plan, or there may be a delay or complication, so your inner critic gets louder, and you start to listen to it.
"However, it’s at this point when you need to look at who you are as a person. Respect yourself and recognise that you are a strong, decent human being.
"Rebuild your self-faith and quickly reaffirm that your choices are the right ones. Any obstacles are only momentary; almost everything can be overcome."
Banish any self-doubt and remind yourself that you are capable. Couple that with not being afraid to reach out to others for help, and you will soon be back on the path to success.
For mature students returning to education, talking to tutors or education staff can help steer you back to self-belief and confidence.
Arden University supports its students at every stage of their learning journey – right from initial application through to graduation and beyond – with dedicated student coaches and workshops to help build academic skills.
Reframing your inner critic
Make your lifelong learning ambitions a reality with Arden University (Arden University)While it’s important not to become debilitated by your inner critic, it’s always worth acknowledging it, checking in with it and then disregarding it, if necessary.
Embracing your inner critic as almost a ‘sixth sense’ can help to keep you grounded and on the right path. Your inner critic might pop up to correct you on your journey, or to help you assess and refocus – potentially even to change direction – so it’s worth reframing your inner critic to see it as another tool in your arsenal to help you through the challenges you face in life.
Mark concludes: "The key to success is to believe in yourself, and the rest will follow."
Find out more?
Arden University is encouraging people to silence their critic and is championing lifelong learning, supporting students – at any stage of their life – to achieve their career and life goals.
Click here right now to silence your critic with Arden’s support – and make your lifelong learning ambitions a reality.