Trevor founded a manufacturing company 20 years ago. The business continues to expand; the customer list now includes Fortune 500 companies. Professional groups have asked him to share his “secrets to success”, but he declines. Trevor secretly feels inferior to other owners, insecure because of his lack of formal education.
Sarah was born to style hair, to make people look their best. Customers enjoy not only her expertise but also her witty conversation. She is always booked weeks in advance. She knows other salons charge more, but she is hesitant to raise prices. Sarah perceives herself as dull and fat, unaware of her true worth.
Dwight grew up learning every aspect of the family business. Eventually he purchased and continues to grow this thriving enterprise. He has good business instincts and a knack for taking risks that pay off. Dwight’s father, a confident outgoing man who makes friends easily, has been gone from the company for years, yet when confronted by a big decision, Dwight second-guesses himself, forever limited by his father’s shadow.
These three individuals all suffer from limiting, illogical beliefs, the sort of messages that keep us from growing emotionally. These baseless attitudes and opinions are often out of sync with how our world really is.
Irrational, limiting beliefs cloud our thinking, impair our judgement and cause us to perceive ourselves in ways that do not match reality. They prevent us making the most of our potential.
In her book, Loving What Is, Byron Katie challenges irrational thinking with four powerful questions:
- Is it true?
- Can you absolutely know if it’s true?
- How do you react -what happens – when you believe that thought?
- Who would you be without the thought?
All of us have limiting thoughts from time to time; the trick is to recognize them, challenge them and learn to see ourselves in the same way as the people who care about us see us: as successful, confident individuals.
The road is easier together,
Linda Laitala, President
Raven Performance Group