The Power of Mindset: Changing the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Have you ever found yourself feeling deflated after discovering something you believed to be true was, in fact, a falsehood? This seemingly simple shift in perception can have a profound impact on our mindset, behaviour, and productivity. In this article, we'll explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape our mindset and influence our actions, especially for senior leaders in organisations.
Mindset and the Stories We Tell Ourselves
When I was in London last year, I really wanted to get one of those hats that Tommy Shelby wears in the Netflix series Peaky Blinders. I walked into a hat store on The Strand and explained to the man behind the counter what I was after. He replied, "You’re in luck! You’ve come to the right place - we made the hats for the series." He then threw me a hat and said, "This one is called the Tommy Shelby." I put the hat on. It was a great fit. I paid the £95 ($200!!!) and walked away with a smile on my face and a gangster spring in my step.
Back in Australia, I wanted to see what other hats were available. I logged onto their website and was surprised to find that there was no reference to Peaky Blinders at all. A quick Google search revealed that a completely different company had the contracts for the hats. I’d been conned. I looked at the hat, and it didn’t quite seem the same now. It wasn’t the Tommy Shelby anymore - it was the sign of me being a mug-tourist. I threw it on the couch and ignored it.
The Real Change: Shifting Perceptions
But what had really changed? It wasn’t the hat - that was still the same. What had changed was the story I was telling myself about the hat. I’d completely changed the story, and that was what was driving the change of feeling towards the hat.
The Impact of Mindset on Productivity and Behavior Change
Our mindset is a powerful force that influences our productivity and behavior. As senior leaders, understanding the stories we tell ourselves and others is crucial for driving positive change within our organizations. Here are a few ways to harness the power of mindset:
Identifying Limiting Beliefs
Often, the stories we tell ourselves are filled with limiting beliefs that hold us back. Identifying and challenging these beliefs can help us shift our mindset and unlock new potential. For instance, instead of thinking "I'm not good at public speaking," try reframing it to "I can improve my public speaking skills with practice."
Creating Positive Narratives
Changing the stories we tell ourselves to more positive and empowering ones can transform our behaviour and outcomes. For example, instead of viewing a setback as a failure, see it as a valuable lesson that brings you one step closer to success.
Storytelling as a Leadership Tool
As leaders, the stories we share with our teams can inspire and motivate. By communicating a vision and framing challenges in a positive light, we can foster a more resilient and productive organisational culture.
Conclusion
The next time you find yourself feeling down about a situation, take a moment to examine the story you're telling yourself. You might find that a simple shift in perspective can make all the difference. By changing our internal narratives, we can change our mindset, boost productivity, and drive positive behavior change.
