Is it a battle, or is it an adventure? If this sounds familiar, you're right.
This isn't the first time that I've approached this subject because it's so important, and if you happen to be in a corporate environment...it's even more important.
The label you put on people, things or situations directs your behaviour and ultimately your expectations. You'll always find what you're looking for.
What do I mean by that?
Let's use the battle or adventure example:
When you're heading into a meeting with colleagues where the subject is potentially contentious, if you think it's going to be a battle, chances are, it will be.
It's subtle, the way you think about things and label things will affect how you show up. It affects your behaviour and this will influence other's behaviour as well. Especially if you hold a leadership role.
What could you do instead?
In the battle vs adventure scenario, think about it: A battle suggests that you're against each other and it's going to be difficult...there's going to be a lot of tension.
When you reframe it to an adventure, it doesn't mean that there's no tension, but it suggests that rather than working against each other, you're working together towards something. It makes a difference, it's subtle and it matters.
Halo or horns, you get to decide. I mean it, you do get to decide. Did you know…If someone's labeled as a high performer, then you're more likely to overlook the mistakes they make. Whereas if someone is labeled as a low performer then you expect them to make mistakes and you do not see all the good things they do. That's why words matter so much...you need to be careful.
What you expect you'll get.
It's a mindset shift, recognizing that you have way more influence over situations and people than you think you do simply by changing how you choose to label something.
Think of it as a skill...because it is!
Are you ready?
Let's get to it...
Your challenge...
Call to mind a particular situation where routinely things are not going as you would like them to go.
Now check in:
How have you labeled this situation, person or thing? Be honest with yourself.
Can you see how this label has created a self fulfilling prophecy? The situation, the person or the thing always ends up fitting that label?
Here's the good part, if you don't like how it's playing out. You get to make a change. You get to decide how you want to look at the situation, person, or thing. You get to relabel it and then watch how, when you expect something different...you will, in fact, change what you see and experience.
It takes practice, and it's well worth doing. You could change your entire experience.
Yes, you do have that kind of power.
Ready to shift your mindset? Contact me
Cheers,
Ann
*Mindset & Performance Coach *Author
Battle or adventure? Watch your words!