We're living in a time of significant change. We hope to be brave, strong, and smart during times like these. Instead, we may feel lost, confused, or afraid to move forward. It's easy to get bogged down amid significant changes. 

But, on the bright side, we've all had moments of bravery, strength, or intelligence more powerful than we usually possess. Looking back and analyzing what you did before is one way to feel braver, stronger, or smarter in the here and now. Likewise, applying visual thinking is one way to jog your memory and quickly capture critical concepts.

Step 1: 

Remember a time when you felt particularly brave and jot down a title using an I was (adjective) when I (action) statement. For example, I was brave when I learned to water ski. On a side note, we often associate bravery with being fearless. However, people we usually consider brave heroes are not fearless. They are brave because they feel the fear and do what they need to do anyway. 

Step 2:

Draw out the people (who), places (where), and things (what) involved in your moment of bravery and label them.

In my example, there was me, the lake, the water skis, the boat, and my brother, who was driving the boat. 

Step 3: 

Draw a quick flow chart (how) of the actions you took during your moment of bravery. 

For example, when I learned to water ski. I convinced my brother to take me to the lake when no one else was around. He helped me adjust the skis so they felt more comfortable, and he gave me some basic instructions on what to do when the boat started and when to let go of the rope. Then he helped me get in the water and get the rope positioned before steering around to pull it tight. Once I was ready, I gave him the signal, and he floored it. I got up and then promptly fell down. Over and over and over again. I was petrified and, after several attempts, exhausted. I can't say it was easy or that I became a great water skier; I did not. However, I never felt braver. I attempted something I found very challenging, felt the fear, and did it anyway. 

Step 4: 

Rinse and repeat x2, describing times in the past when you felt more powerful, braver, or smarter than your usual self.

Step 5: 

Step back and analyze your work. Look for themes or patterns across your times of bravery, strength, and super smarts. For example, I discovered it's easier for me to attempt something scary without an audience present. When I need more strength, prayer is my go-to. When I want to feel more competent, I either research best practices employed by others or tap into my unconscious brain by giving it an assignment to work on while I'm sleeping.

Arming myself with these tools is one way to feel brave, stronger, and smarter the next time life throws me a curve ball.