“If we can figure out how to tell ourselves a different story, then we might be able to make a different level of contribution.”

Seth Godin

Are you constantly replaying stories that are getting in your way?

Why not shut them off. Or stop listening to them.

If they aren’t helping, do they deserve air time?

I regularly catch myself in negative thought loops that aren’t helpful. Maybe I have some silly story about why I’m not good enough to do this, or why I’m not qualified to do this, or this person won’t like me because of this…

Of course it’s mostly not true.

We wouldn’t let any of our friends talk to us like that, so why do we do it to ourselves?

It’s easier said than done, but I’m trying to take a step back in my mind and watch the thoughts and stories pass through like clouds. Trying to objectively observe what is really worth listening too.

This frees up some capacity to be more present and make more of a contribution.

Reflection

– I don’t have to believe everything that pops into my head.

– Next time I catch an unhelpful looping story, pause and let it pass. Don’t feed it.