Your Personal Narrative
- S. A. Gibbs
- Mar 12, 2017
- 2 min read
Nothing changed, except the point of view - which changed everything.
Nick Sousanis
It is interesting how confidence in our professional competencies can be juxtaposed with lack of confidence in our personal opportunities for growth and prosperity. The internal dialogue can be perplexing. What is it that plants the seeds of self-doubt?
Maybe part of the problem is that we look for metrics outside of ourselves to measure success and capabilities. The accomplishments of others and the narratives created by the marketing gurus have collided to define the successful, sexy, swashbuckler. When you dig deeper in these archetypes of success, these images are frequently false or built on foundations of fragile male egos. As we have frequently been told, and I have personally witnessed, the world is full of “successful” men who live unhappy, even miserable lives.
Us “normal” men need to look internally to recognize and celebrate our accomplishments, both personal and professional. These accomplishments form the foundation of our self-respect and self-belief. Sure, we all make mistakes. God knows I have made my fair share of mistakes in the areas or finance, career and relationships. Guess what, we are all human, which means we are not perfect. Rather than look at these mistakes as the prima facie case for our lack of self-belief, lets embrace these mistakes as points of reflection, opportunities for learning and growth.
It’s time that we take control in crafting our internal and external narratives. I’m not suggesting that we concoct narratives based on hyperbole but rather conduct an honest assessment of our successes and capabilities and then launch a full-blown marketing campaign to communicate our value to the world, and to ourselves. Look past those who will critique based on false metrics of success and value, or who will contradict our narratives with false criteria such as age, or grey in our hair. Their opinions mean nothing; your self-image and belief in your abilities will win the day. From this day forward you’re the President and CEO of YOU.Inc. It’s time to kick butt!
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