Something’s been on my mind lately, and it’s kind of a big one: what if what we think we know about ourselves isn’t even true?
Something really clicked for me recently. Last week in my mastermind group, we dove deep into “limiting beliefs,” and it got me reflecting. Then, I read this fascinating article referencing research (Meunks et al., 2018) about how our self-perceptions can be surprisingly inaccurate and hold us back from reaching our potential. It made me realize just how easily our internal stories about ourselves can become self-fulfilling prophecies.
Think about it: how many times have I told myself, “Oh, I’m just not good at that”? Probably more times than I’d like to admit. The article even touched on how simply hearing things repeatedly can make us believe they’re true, even if they’re not (Kahneman, 2011).
My Own “Aha!” Moment (and time for yours!):
Thinking about this, I realized a few “truths” I held about myself were likely just old, unchallenged beliefs. For example, I always thought I wasn’t very organized. But then I remembered that project last year where I totally crushed it. What was different then? It made me wonder – maybe it’s not a fixed trait.
Ready to dig into your own beliefs? Here’s how I’m approaching it:
1. Fact-Check Your Inner Narratives: It’s time to question those long-held assumptions.
- What’s the story I tell myself? Jot down 3 things you believe about your abilities or limitations.
- Where did that story come from? For each, ask: What’s the evidence? Is there any evidence against it? Think about times you might have surprised yourself. What were the circumstances?
- When do I feel different? Instead of saying “I’m just not a creative person,” think about times you did feel creative, even in small ways. What was happening? Can you create more of those conditions?
- Your Action This Week: Pick one of those beliefs and brainstorm one tiny way you can challenge it.
2. Embrace a Growth Mindset: This is about believing we can develop our abilities through effort and learning.
- Spot Your “Stuck” Spots: Identify one area where you feel limited.
- Reframe “Failures”: Think of a recent setback in that area. What did you learn from it? How can you approach it differently next time?
- Focus on the Climb: Value the effort you put in, not just the end result.
- Your Action This Week: Choose one small step you can take to learn or practice something related to that “stuck” area.
This isn’t about suddenly thinking you’re amazing at everything. It’s about being honest with yourself and realizing that your current self-perception might not be the full picture. We’re all capable of growth, and sometimes the biggest step is questioning the stories we tell ourselves.
I help broker owners, managers and recruiters challenge their belief about recruiting and talent attraction.
What’s one belief you’re going to fact-check this week? I’d love to hear!
