I’ve had a number of conversations recently where people have shared their stories. Their stories about who they are and what they are capable of; always a privilege to hear.
And yet, I was struck by the line between humility and self-limiting belief and the degree of awareness about which of those was happening.
To clarify, self‑limiting beliefs often sound like: “I’ve missed my chance”, “I’m not creative”, “I should stay in my lane”, and one I am guilty of saying “I’m not good with technology.”
These phrases are powerful and if we say them often enough, they start to feel like facts. But they’re not necessarily facts, they are likely to simply be stories we have rehearsed for so long that they have become familiar companions.
To stick with the story analogy, every book has multiple chapters, and all have the potential for a plot twist if we allow it!
Senior leaders often have more capacity for reinvention. You’ve already proven resilience, adaptability, and courage many times over. The challenge now is not capability, it’s often permission. Permission to evolve, to be a beginner again and permission to want something different.
When we question our long‑held assumptions, we create space for new possibilities. And sometimes, the smallest shift in belief or reframing of a belief can unlock the biggest shift in direction. This isn’t about forced positivity, it’s about accuracy. It’s about aligning your self‑perception with the strengths, wisdom, and capability you actually possess.
With that in mind, take time to think:
- What beliefs do you have (stories do you tell) about yourself and why? Is this based on current evidence or simply a habitual story you tell?
- If you removed or reframed that belief, what would become possible?
- What would you tell a friend who said this about themselves?
- How might your team or your organisation benefit if you shifted this perspective?
As leaders, we can show our people that we are role modelling the changes that all of us want to see. Let’s be better and be the change – contact [email protected] if you would like help to do so.
For more articles, encouraging you to think and be the change – visit here.