So much has been said about strengths-based strategies and while I’m a trained counsellor and coach who taps into strengths as a therapeutic tool to trigger change, I do observe that it takes time and a growing self-awareness to overcome the pervading story of self that dominates and dictates our life choices on a daily basis.
Recently while reading Dr. John Delony’s book, ‘Own Your Past Change Your Future,’ I was again reminded, “Each and every one of us tells ourselves story after story about the things we can and cannot do.” He goes on to quote Henry Ford who said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t…you’re right.”
So often we carry around huge life limiting stories that hinder us from enjoying meaningful relationships, applying for dream jobs, saying yes to great life opportunities and so much more. We can often miss those gold moments, where alignment, break-through and playful delight energises and satisfies us. Yes, we can miss those aha moments and instead, resort to either sanitised, safe mediocrity, or seek out numbing mind-altering alternatives that erode capacity for growth over time.
John Delony suggests that the stories we tell are both the problem and the solution. Firstly, we must begin to acknowledge our stories about the world, about ourselves and the stories we’re told. It takes time as I’ve already mentioned and it also takes courage to step towards a new reality, a new future and a new you.
I’m on that journey too, continuing to learn, grow and access my strengths as stepping stones towards a new story and a preferred future. Contact me if you would like to explore your story, challenge it and change it over time. A brave new future awaits.
Here’s some questions to help you get started:
Whether you see your past as positive or negative, what strengths did you develop in growing up that continue to empower you in your adult life?
How did the difficulties in your childhood help you develop strengths?
Use your imagination to help you describe how you might build a better future using those strengths as cornerstones?
