We love storytelling; this love affair begins in childhood and we never outgrow it. Our brain is a "storytelling" organ, made perfectly for creating storyline. Life is not as objective as it appears on the surface. Via our perceptions of how we interpret the facts and experiences of our lives, we see the world through our own unique lens.
We set the stage of our lives based on these perceptions. When we become more self-aware by learning how our brain operates optimally, we can start to direct our life story on purpose, with purpose. You see, we can change our 'story'.
"What story?" you may ask. Many, if not most, people do not realize that they have created a story about:
1. Who they are
2. What they can be, do, or have
3. Whether or not they are a victim, or can change their circumstances (a victor)
Do you realize that all three are changeable?
Our brain records our thoughts and feelings and organizes them into narratives that inform our 'ego' identity, and then our actions and behaviors align with this narrative. As a leader, this is important to realize. We respond to others and the world at large based first upon how we see our self.
If we are confident and feel that it is okay to learn and make mistakes, we are more likely to grow and embrace change more effectively. If we see our self as fearful of rejection, we are less likely to listen to our own heart and value system and instead seek to be liked by others, even to the detriment of making the tough but necessary decisions to move our organizations forward.
If our story is that we are not worthy or that we are a fake, we will not radiate a sense of integrity or authenticity, or we may feel insecure and uncomfortable sitting at the table of senior leadership. Lastly, if we have a stuck or fixed mindset-as Carol Dweck of Stanford University describes in her book Mindset -we will struggle to change our circumstances or develop our leadership gaps effectively.
Instead, we will tend to blame others and to feel helpless when, in reality, we can literally retrain our brain to become the person we really aspire to be. Everything I have addressed here is a 'story' at some level. It will manifest as your reality; yet reality is subjective and changeable.
Before it can change, you must be willing to examine your story and own your power to co-create a new storyline. You are the director, producer, and star of your own life. When you realize this you can write a new script that is purposeful and can evolve your self, your health, wealth and relationships - on purpose.
Start with the awareness of how to optimally operate and direct your amazing brain. Make this your intention and a part of your purpose. You'll probably find yourself moving into the next stage of your leadership development faster than you ever thought possible. What's your story?
Valencia Ray, M.D. teaches business owners and corporate leaders how their amazing brain can actually hijack personal power -- not in the abstract, but in the context of integrating business and personal life. Dr. Ray, a board-certified eye surgeon and medical business owner for over 20 years before selling her practice, shares her own life changing process. By sharing her story, she helps others to expand their vision and learn that by living with purpose and confidence, it is possible to have a more integrated, healthier lifestyle - with less struggle, more inner peace and more abundance.
For more information and to contact her regarding dynamic, inspirational keynotes, trainings in collaborative leadership and team building, entrepreneurship and coaching programs, visit her website at http://www.ValenciaRay.com .