Effective communication is essential for building strong relationships. However, there are certain beliefs that can kill communication and hinder effective collaboration. These beliefs are often rooted in fear, mistrust, and a desire to control the situation. Examples of these beliefs include the assumption that we know what the other person is thinking or feeling, the belief that being right is more important than understanding the other person's perspective, and the belief that vulnerability and openness are signs of weakness. These beliefs can prevent us from truly listening to others, empathizing with their experiences, and finding common ground. By understanding and challenging these beliefs, we can improve our communication skills and build more positive, fulfilling relationships with those around us.
by Stephanie Bickel
The most common irrational beliefs professionals carry around with them all day long:
1. I’m not ready for this.
2. I'm going to mess up.
3. I don’t know how to do this.
4. I can’t do this.
5. I'm going to say the wrong thing.
6. I’m going to sound dumb.
7. They don’t care about my opinion.
8. I’m introverted.
9. I can’t find the right word.
10. I don’t have enough experience.
11. I am awkward.
12. What I am saying doesn’t make sense.
13. I'm not persuasive.
14. I sound nervous.
15. What I’m saying doesn’t matter.
16. I can’t explain this well.
Identify the ones you have and start observing when they show up.
Are they triggered by certain people, situations, or topics? Can you flip the thought around or soften it?
Create a post-it note with the new thoughts you want to practice.
Keep practicing them, and they turn into BELIEFS.
Remember to be kind to yourself. Beating yourself up doesn't help. Keep pushing yourself to override your negative thoughts. Often times, it takes twenty-one days to create a habit. When you start thinking more positively, embrace the success that comes with it.
YOU can be the change that impacts the speed at which you and your teams achieve your goals...just by the way you THINK.
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