Practical Strategies for Identifying and Overcoming Beliefs That Impact Leadership
Within leadership, the most significant barriers to growth often come from within. I recognize outdated beliefs still exist externally, but the stories we tell ourselves—the beliefs we hold about our capabilities, potential, and worth—are even more powerful. They can propel us forward or hold us back. The internal narratives about our education, experience, age, or connections can hurt or even destroy our possibilities. Here are some strategies for rewriting the harmful stories:
Identifying Limiting Beliefs
We often see them as universal truths. “People like me never…” Or simply thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I can’t handle this,” or “People won’t take me seriously.” Recognize these personal saboteurs when they arise and write them down. They’ve become a pattern of thinking.
Challenge the Status Quo
Once you’ve identified one, challenge it. Do a reality check. Ask yourself: Is this truly accurate? How many instances can you think of that contradict that belief? Often, you’ll find that these beliefs are based on past experiences and even some of those were seen from a distorted lens– and are not the least bit reflective of who you’ve become.
Reframe Your Narrative
For each limiting belief, create a new, empowering narrative. If your old story is “I’m not experienced enough to lead,” reframe it to “Every leader starts somewhere, and I am committed to learning and growing.” If you “blew it” once or even more– what did you learn from the experience and what do you now bring to the table as a wiser and more versatile leader?
Seek Evidence
Actively look for evidence that supports your new realization. Seek feedback, take on new challenges, and reflect on – and write down – past successes that align with your new narrative. Review those successes as needed as evidence that can reinforce the new story you are telling yourself.
Practice Consistency
Rewriting deeply ingrained stories can take time and effort. Regularly remind yourself of your new beliefs and reflect on your progress. Keep a journal, work with a coach, or find a mentor who can support you in this transformation. Reality checks with or without support are imperative. With support, they can be so much easier to own and to trust.
It is powerful how the stories we tell ourselves shape our perceptions, our reality, and our actions. By identifying and rewriting the limiting beliefs that hold you back, you open up to new possibilities for personal and professional growth. Life is truly meant to be lived, not survived.
Bring in the beliefs that feed you in living your best self while identifying those parts of you that may still impact you in a limiting way. Emotional and spiritual growth is a result of the letting go, the risks you take, and the new truths that best describe who you are and who you are in the process of becoming. Old beliefs and old self-images no longer apply when you grow.
I’m here if you need support in the process – identifying or overcoming…
