Why personal stories are the MOST powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal

We all have stories that we tell ourselves – ones about who we are, what we’re capable of, and even what our lives will be like. Often, these stories are based on past experiences, and they have the power to either hold us back from achieving our potential or they can propel us forward.

If we’re not careful, the stories we tell ourselves can become self-fulfilling prophecies that limit our success. On the other hand, if we choose to tell stories that inspire and motivate us, we can use them as a tool to learn and grow.

In business, the stories we tell ourselves can be the difference between success and failure. If we believe that we can’t succeed, then we may not even try. But, if we have a story of success that we can hold on to, it gives us the motivation to keep going on, even when things are tough. And, we all know, sometimes life can feel that way.

So, what stories do we tell ourselves that hold us back?

– The story of us failing is one of the most common ones. Many of us are afraid to take risks, or to put ourselves out there because we’re afraid of what might happen. We fear either loss pain, process pain or outcome pain.

– Often, we also question our own abilities and whether we’re good enough for the task at hand. This can lead to self-doubt and a lack of confidence, which can hold us back from acting and taking the next steps.

– Thirdly, we compare ourselves to others. Yes, that dreaded imposter syndrome. It’s so easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others, especially if we feel like we’re not measuring up. This can create feelings of envy and jealousy, and it can also lead to a feeling of not being good enough.

Although these stories can be damaging, we have the power to choose which stories we tell ourselves. If we want to achieve success in our lives, we need to focus on telling ourselves positive stories that will inspire and motivate us.

Three things you can tell yourself to change the outcome of your story.

– I am capable: This story is about believing in yourself and your abilities. It’s about knowing that you have what it takes to succeed, no matter what challenges you face.

– I am prepared: This story is about being prepared for whatever comes your way. It’s about knowing that you’ve done the work and you’re ready for whatever challenges come your way.

– I am resilient: This story is about being able to bounce back from setbacks. It’s about knowing that you can handle whatever comes your way, and that you’ll come out stronger in the end.

So, what is the difference with High Performers?

High Performers tend to have more positive stories that inspire and motivate them. They believe in their abilities, and they have clarity around their vision.

High Performers know that they can handle any challenge that comes their way. They are resilient enough to bounce back from any setbacks and they believe int their ability to figure it out.

If you want to achieve success in your life, it’s important to focus on telling positive stories that will inspire and motivate you.

Let me tell you a story about Jane.

Jane was born into a family with an alcoholic father. As a child, she learned to fend for herself and moved out of home at a young age. She supported herself through multiple jobs to complete her schooling.

Despite all the odds stacked against her, Jane never gave up. She was not going to let the actions of her parents dictate the future that she wanted to create for herself.

Today, not only is Jane a successful businesswoman with a team around her, but she is also a wife and a role model for her three kids. She is proof that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams, no matter where you come from or what challenges you face.

We all have a story to tell, one that maybe we let define us but also maybe one that we are afraid to share. It’s these stories that we have experienced that can have a huge impact on our lives moving forward and be a large predictor of our success.

It’s time to turn our story into a motivator for our future. When we do this, everything changes and we are in control. Just like Jane, the stories we tell ourselves can have a huge impact on our lives. They can remind us of our strengths and our ability to achieve our goals.

So next time you are thinking about telling yourself a story, choose the underlying message wisely and make sure it’s one that will help you on your way to a fulfilled and inspiring life moving forward.