Our inner dialogue can be a powerful ally or a harsh critic. Here’s how to start crafting a more empowering narrative for your work and life.
To reframe your internal narrative, it’s essential to adopt several effective techniques. First, actively recognize and challenge pessimistic thoughts by questioning their validity and replacing them with more constructive alternatives. This process involves deliberately shifting your perspective to view situations through a lens of growth and opportunity. Additionally, navigating and overcoming limiting beliefs requires you to identify deeply ingrained assumptions that hinder your progress. Strategies such as mindfulness practice and cognitive-behavioral techniques can help you disrupt these beliefs, enabling a more empowering and positive internal dialogue that supports personal and professional growth.
An Invaluable Tool
Imagine having a tool available around the clock that can boost your happiness, support your well-being, and drive your success. This tool is your internal dialogue. Your inner voice can either push you forward or hold you back, shaping your feelings, behaviors, and overall life experience.
Negative self-beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t belong here” can impede your success both personally and professionally. In my healthcare and Integrative Psychiatry practice, I have seen many patients held back by these unhealthy internal stories. Even highly successful people and top leaders experience moments of fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty.
The Prevalence of Self-Doubt
According to Indeed’s 2022 Working on Well-being report, 20% of senior managers and over 10% of employees frequently feel like impostors. A 2020 KPMG study found that 75% of female executives have experienced imposter syndrome. However, those who are happy and successful have learned to manage their self-talk and not let limiting beliefs prevent them from taking positive action.
Reframing Your Internal Story
To create a more empowering internal story, start with self-awareness. You can’t change what you’re not aware of. Mindfulness is an effective way to become aware of your internal dialogue and beliefs. By focusing on the present moment, you can notice your thoughts, feelings, and reactions without judgment.
You might find that your inner voice is supportive when things are going well but becomes critical during setbacks. Recognize that many of your thoughts are not facts; they might be opinions, interpretations, or even lies. By acknowledging these limitations, you can choose new, empowering responses and reinforce them with mindful actions. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a useful approach to help navigate these limiting beliefs.
Overcoming My Own Limiting Beliefs
In college, I dreaded a mandatory public speaking class. At 18, I was terrified of being judged and embarrassed. Despite getting a good grade, I left the class with the belief, “I am bad at public speaking.” This belief resurfaced during speeches at weddings and guest lecturing opportunities.
To overcome it, I first acknowledged its existence and then decided not to let it stop me. I focused on the importance of my message for the students. After my first day of guest lecturing, I realized I loved it. My nerves faded, and I looked forward to doing it again. The belief that I was bad at public speaking was untrue; it was simply uncomfortable because it was new.
Creating Empowering Stories
When limiting beliefs arise, ask yourself, “How can I view this in a way that is more empowering for me?” Set achievable goals and take small actions to move toward a new, empowering belief. Self-doubt and fear may still be present, but the key is not letting them stop you from becoming who you aspire to be.
Disclaimer
This content reflects the author’s opinion and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for recommendations specific to you.
