As with all negative emotions and feelings, one of the best ways to move through them and rewire them is to address them through awareness and a deeper understanding of what’s really going on.
Rewriting the Narrative of Self-Sabotage and Imposter Syndrome
We all at times face feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a sense of low self-esteem or self-worth. When these self-sabotaging beliefs are constantly on repeat in our thoughts and running the inner narrative, they can get in our way and hold us back from achieving our fullest potential.
Negative self-talk can unconsciously run the show and if we’re not cognizant of this taking place, and mindfully choose to rewrite these stories, our leadership abilities and presence in the workplace can suffer.
What’s Holding You Back?
Are you dealing with negative inner chatter? A voice telling you that you’re not worthy of the position you hold? Something nagging at you inside with a worry or fear that they’ll “find you out” any day now? Thoughts that you just simply aren’t successful enough, intelligent enough, or up to the challenge of being a leader?
This blog will give you some tangible tools to rewrite the narrative of imposter syndrome, self-doubt, low self-esteem, and more by focusing on bringing mindfulness into the workplace and in your life.
Mindfulness in the Workplace
Don’t worry, you can put down your beads and bells for this one, I won’t be walking you through how to kick off your executive meetings with yoga or meditation (though that could be another blog topic for another day!). I am, however, a strong believer that rewriting the inner negative self chatter begins with increasing mindfulness and awareness.
Without mindfulness and recognizing the voice inside your head for what it is, you’re operating on autopilot and allowing unhealthy patterns, thoughts, and beliefs, to run the show.
Mindfulness is the quality or state of being aware of something, in this case, your thoughts and beliefs. Mindfulness in the workplace is especially helpful and important to bring you into the present moment, and notice and identify what’s happening in your inner world. It gives you a moment to pause before responding and offers clarity in moving forward.
Four Ways to Start Increasing Mindfulness in the Workplace
Recognize and Acknowledge.
When you’re increasing your mindfulness, in the workplace and your personal life, the first step is to simply notice. Recognize and become aware that negative self-talk is taking place whether it’s imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or feelings of inadequacy.
Simply becoming aware of your thought patterns is a powerful first step to changing them. I encourage my leadership coaching clients to close their eyes (if the situation allows) and remove themselves from their physical body for a moment. Provide yourself some distance from you (the thinker/feeler) and the thought or feeling itself.
Another technique to help accomplish this is to notice and then label the thought or feeling. For example, when you’re in a meeting and someone’s just dismissed your idea, what feelings or thoughts arise? Self-loathing? Fear? Frustration? Unworthiness?
Getting some distance between yourself and your thoughts can help you see it from a different perspective. Whereas, when we’re in and connected to the emotion of it, it’s harder to see it clearly for what it is.
Challenge Your Own Thoughts and Beliefs
Once you’ve identified the negative self-talk taking place inside you, and labeled what it is that you’re thinking or feeling about yourself, it’s now your job to be your own personal investigator and find out whether or not you should believe this story.
Before you say, “Well, Sheila, I feel it, so it must be true!” hold up for a moment there. Not everything we feel or think is true. Feelings and thoughts are complex systems of neuro-processing and firing synapses but they are not all accurate representations of objective reality.
Your job as your own personal investigator is to ask yourself questions about the thoughts and feelings, “Is this based on fact or is this just my perception?” “What evidence do I have that contradicts this thought or belief about myself?”
Often what you will find is that what you’re thinking and feeling is not backed up by evidence. You can also begin to build up an arsenal of evidence that clearly demonstrates this. For example, reflecting on your successes to date can help you realize you are in fact capable of doing what you set out to. And seeing times where you have been competent and skilled can help turn down the volume of the inner narrative telling you otherwise and causing you to self-doubt.
Think About Yourself Through the Lens of Others
This can be a powerful mindfulness practice that can help you to see yourself with a little more kindness, respect, and self-compassion. Think about someone in your life you admire and respect. Now, imagine that person talking to YOU and you sharing what you’re thinking and feeling.
Chances are high that they too have experienced these kinds of feelings as well. What would you imagine they might say to you right now? Can you view yourself through the lens of someone else?
Sometimes it can really help to pull away and look at how others in our life view us when looking to treat ourselves with more kindness, concern, and understanding. It’s also important to remember that everyone (even your heroes and those you admire) make mistakes, experience setbacks, and encounter self-doubt and imposter syndrome. These are feelings that all of us as human beings can relate to.
You Don’t Have to Do this Alone
When you’re up against negative self-talk, the voice of the inner critic, and other self-sabotaging feelings and beliefs, you don’t have to do this alone.
Having someone to talk to -a trusted friend, mentor, therapist, or coach about your feelings can help to put them in perspective and give you those rewiring pep talks you need to make positive changes in your inner narrative.
Voicing your concerns and what’s holding you back can help you to increase your own awareness around them, as well as shine a light on truth vs. reality.
If you need someone to talk to who can help you rewrite the thoughts and stories so you can move forward with intention and increased self-awareness, I would love to be the Leadership Coach by your side! I can help you to create practices for increasing your own mindfulness so you can successfully identify thoughts and feelings for what they are as you move through them with greater confidence and courage.
Complete contact form HERE.
Remember that changing your internal narrative and increasing mindfulness in your workplace is a process that takes time and consistent effort. But it’s well worth the benefits and with persistence and practice, you will see changes as you develop a more positive, supportive, and empowering view of yourself and your abilities.
Rewriting the Narrative of Self-Sabotage and Imposter Syndrome
We all at times face feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a sense of low self-esteem or self-worth. When these self-sabotaging beliefs are constantly on repeat in our thoughts and running the inner narrative, they can get in our way and hold us back from achieving our fullest potential.
Negative self-talk can unconsciously run the show and if we’re not cognizant of this taking place, and mindfully choose to rewrite these stories, our leadership abilities and presence in the workplace can suffer.
What’s Holding You Back?
Are you dealing with negative inner chatter? A voice telling you that you’re not worthy of the position you hold? Something nagging at you inside with a worry or fear that they’ll “find you out” any day now? Thoughts that you just simply aren’t successful enough, intelligent enough, or up to the challenge of being a leader?
This blog will give you some tangible tools to rewrite the narrative of imposter syndrome, self-doubt, low self-esteem, and more by focusing on bringing mindfulness into the workplace and in your life.
Mindfulness in the Workplace
Don’t worry, you can put down your beads and bells for this one, I won’t be walking you through how to kick off your executive meetings with yoga or meditation (though that could be another blog topic for another day!). I am, however, a strong believer that rewriting the inner negative self chatter begins with increasing mindfulness and awareness.
Without mindfulness and recognizing the voice inside your head for what it is, you’re operating on autopilot and allowing unhealthy patterns, thoughts, and beliefs, to run the show.
Mindfulness is the quality or state of being aware of something, in this case, your thoughts and beliefs. Mindfulness in the workplace is especially helpful and important to bring you into the present moment, and notice and identify what’s happening in your inner world. It gives you a moment to pause before responding and offers clarity in moving forward.
Four Ways to Start Increasing Mindfulness in the Workplace
Recognize and Acknowledge.
When you’re increasing your mindfulness, in the workplace and your personal life, the first step is to simply notice. Recognize and become aware that negative self-talk is taking place whether it’s imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or feelings of inadequacy.
Simply becoming aware of your thought patterns is a powerful first step to changing them. I encourage my leadership coaching clients to close their eyes (if the situation allows) and remove themselves from their physical body for a moment. Provide yourself some distance from you (the thinker/feeler) and the thought or feeling itself.
Another technique to help accomplish this is to notice and then label the thought or feeling. For example, when you’re in a meeting and someone’s just dismissed your idea, what feelings or thoughts arise? Self-loathing? Fear? Frustration? Unworthiness?
Getting some distance between yourself and your thoughts can help you see it from a different perspective. Whereas, when we’re in and connected to the emotion of it, it’s harder to see it clearly for what it is.
Challenge Your Own Thoughts and Beliefs
Once you’ve identified the negative self-talk taking place inside you, and labeled what it is that you’re thinking or feeling about yourself, it’s now your job to be your own personal investigator and find out whether or not you should believe this story.
Before you say, “Well, Sheila, I feel it, so it must be true!” hold up for a moment there. Not everything we feel or think is true. Feelings and thoughts are complex systems of neuro-processing and firing synapses but they are not all accurate representations of objective reality.
Your job as your own personal investigator is to ask yourself questions about the thoughts and feelings, “Is this based on fact or is this just my perception?” “What evidence do I have that contradicts this thought or belief about myself?”
Often what you will find is that what you’re thinking and feeling is not backed up by evidence. You can also begin to build up an arsenal of evidence that clearly demonstrates this. For example, reflecting on your successes to date can help you realize you are in fact capable of doing what you set out to. And seeing times where you have been competent and skilled can help turn down the volume of the inner narrative telling you otherwise and causing you to self-doubt.
Think About Yourself Through the Lens of Others
This can be a powerful mindfulness practice that can help you to see yourself with a little more kindness, respect, and self-compassion. Think about someone in your life you admire and respect. Now, imagine that person talking to YOU and you sharing what you’re thinking and feeling.
Chances are high that they too have experienced these kinds of feelings as well. What would you imagine they might say to you right now? Can you view yourself through the lens of someone else?
Sometimes it can really help to pull away and look at how others in our life view us when looking to treat ourselves with more kindness, concern, and understanding. It’s also important to remember that everyone (even your heroes and those you admire) make mistakes, experience setbacks, and encounter self-doubt and imposter syndrome. These are feelings that all of us as human beings can relate to.
You Don’t Have to Do this Alone
When you’re up against negative self-talk, the voice of the inner critic, and other self-sabotaging feelings and beliefs, you don’t have to do this alone.
Having someone to talk to -a trusted friend, mentor, therapist, or coach about your feelings can help to put them in perspective and give you those rewiring pep talks you need to make positive changes in your inner narrative.
Voicing your concerns and what’s holding you back can help you to increase your own awareness around them, as well as shine a light on truth vs. reality.
If you need someone to talk to who can help you rewrite the thoughts and stories so you can move forward with intention and increased self-awareness, I would love to be the Leadership Coach by your side! I can help you to create practices for increasing your own mindfulness so you can successfully identify thoughts and feelings for what they are as you move through them with greater confidence and courage.
Complete contact form HERE.
Remember that changing your internal narrative and increasing mindfulness in your workplace is a process that takes time and consistent effort. But it’s well worth the benefits and with persistence and practice, you will see changes as you develop a more positive, supportive, and empowering view of yourself and your abilities.
Mindfulness in the Workplace
