Ditch the stories keeping you stuck in business

What are the stories you are telling yourself?

Recently, I was feeling bored and wanted to find something to watch that would last for a while and keep me interested. You know the mindless Netflix binging? I came across the show Lost and decided that would do. I’d watched it when it first came out but never finished, so why not? I quite like how the overall story has a bunch of substories as you learn about the lives of all the characters.

Your mind is amazing. Did you know that, just like a TV show, your brain runs on stories? Throughout your life, you accumulate a bunch of stories that you hold on to, and they shape your responses to events and your actions and sometimes even become a part of your identity.  

Fascinating, right?

The origins of our stories

So, where do these stories come from?

Here’s the thing: a big chunk of them aren’t even created by you! From birth to around age seven, our brains are at their most “plastic,” soaking up beliefs, ideas, and assumptions from the world around us. Parents, siblings, friends, teachers—all these influences shape the stories we hold onto.

It might be a story about money, what you’re capable of, or even what success “should” look like. As kids, we see, we learn, we absorb, and before we know it, these stories settle into our subconscious, guiding our choices without us even realising it.

We see, we learn, and we do…

Of course, there are other influences—the media, famous people, and anyone else who has had an impact on our lives. BUT… your stories are not set in stone; just like you can change the show, you can change your stories.

Our stories and the impact on business

For me, starting my business has been a fascinating ride of self-discovery. Running a business has this amazing way of pushing all your limiting beliefs and stories to the surface. It forces you to get out of your comfort zone and confront the tales that have been holding you back.

In business, these stories can be supportive or act like roadblocks.

Ever find yourself stuck in procrastination? Or avoiding showing up? Maybe battling a fear of failure? Those could be stories you’re carrying around that don’t serve you. Knowing your stories helps you see which ones are helping and which are just getting in the way.

The power of awareness

Awareness is the first step. When you understand the stories you tell yourself, you can recognise when they’re triggered and see their impact.

This is gold!

It’s a powerful way to identify which stories support you and which don’t. You get to decide if these stories are true for you or are just baggage you picked up along the way. (Hint: If they’re stopping you from reaching your goals, they’re baggage, and it’s time to let them go!).

Changing our stories

Stories have power, but only as long as we keep telling them. Like a book or show, the story fades away when you stop reading or watching. You can do the same with the stories that don’t serve you—end them and choose new ones.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when those inner stories start to play:

• Is this really true for me, or is it someone else’s story?

• How is this helping me to be, do, and have what I want?

• How is this story holding me back?

• What story would serve me better?

These questions can bring clarity and help you understand what’s actually true for you. Sometimes, these stories run deep, though, and that’s where a coach can help. If you’re ready to let go of unhelpful stories, reach out to me about The Productivity Accelerator—I’d love to help you clear the path forward.

The stories you choose to tell yourself can be supportive, or they can be relays for self-sabotage. Awareness is the first step to making change and removing their power when not serving. Just like the lost legends of the past, once a story is no longer being told, it evaporates into history, making space for new stories. When you find your truth (the right stories for you), you can get out of your way and pursue your business goals with clarity and certainty. So, what stories are you telling yourself today?