The stories we tell ourselves drive our behaviours.

The stories we tell ourselves drive our behaviours. If we want to change how we act in business, we must change how we talk to ourselves. Our brain is hardwired for survival - useful thousands of years ago, but not so much in a 21st century business when those protective instincts just keep us stuck.

But what are the stories we are telling ourselves that are blocking our progress? There are many, and each person is different, but here are three I hear often.

First: "I can't move forward as I don't have a clear plan that outweighs the perceived risks."The real line of enquiry could be “have I done the uncomfortable work that can unpack reality and explore possibility.” 

Second: "I am not good enough to build this new business model, and I will be exposed as an imposter." This is normal. Acknowledge it, identify evidence to suggest you can in fact do the thing you're telling yourself you can't do, and move on.

Third: "I can't do this, it's all too hard." This requires you to put a gap between the overwhelm and the circumstances. The trick is to give yourself some clean air to think and review. Go for a walk, take a break, get some space.

To shift, we must truly admit to ourselves that the status quo in our business and our life must change. We must admit that our current circumstances are not where we need or want to be, and develop self-talk that aligns with this view. The first step is often the hardest - admitting that things aren't working and giving up the illusion that you have everything under control.

Once you honestly acknowledge where you actually are (not where you pretend to be), you can start building a narrative that moves you toward where you want to go instead of keeping you safely stuck where you are. It's about the difference between protective storytelling and progressive storytelling. You get to choose which one.

Looking for more inspiration?

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