I’m going to guess that most of us don’t pay much attention to the stories we tell ourselves. And if we did, how much would those stories be reflecting our true nature, in the present moment, versus what we have learned to accept and believe about ourselves over time?
This quote by Martha Beck speaks so strongly to the non-conformist rule breaker in me. I do not believe in cookie cutter approaches to life and work. I’m a freedom seeker who is always thinking in terms of possibilities. And, to my core, I believe in the power and value of authenticity and intuition.
That’s why it really bothers me when I read and hear comments from introverts that feed on and fuel negative stereotypes. It’s as if we’ve somehow bought into the notion that introversion is a disorder. That introverts, by their very nature, are not good enough. Defective even.
As I meander down my own proud introvert path, it’s becoming more clear that a lot of us, including me, may be holding ourselves back at times simply through the stories we tell – to ourselves and to others.
I’m seeing that there are a lot of assumptions, limited thinking, stereotypes, and old stories that stop us in our tracks.
If we are to find our way through a new path, maybe it’s time to let go of some of those old stories.
Let’s say, for example, that I challenged you to make an extra $50 today by getting someone to pay you for a product or service that taps into your strengths.
Do I hear the gasps???
Quick, don’t censure yourself. What thoughts are immediately going through your mind?
- As an entrepreneur or employee, what stories have you been telling yourself?
- As a mom, what stories have you been telling yourself?
- As an introvert, what stories have you been telling yourself?
Pay attention.
Through your stories, are you focusing on what’s good and right and true in the present, or are you looking for the problems and perceived limitations of the things you can’t be/do/have?
Are your stories true, based in fact, today (not five years ago)?
As Gina Amaro Rudan states in her book, Practical Genius,
“It’s time to look at the ingredients of your genius and make that your story.”
Easier said than done, I know. But you’ve gotta start somewhere. Today, start with awareness.
Find (or create) your new way forward, and let your stories help you chart the path.