Post 3: The Stories We Tell Ourselves - Confronting Internal Narratives

The Power of Internal Narratives

Our internal narratives—those stories we tell ourselves—shape our self-perception and influence our actions. When faced with below-standard assessments, these narratives can become particularly negative and self-defeating. However, by recognizing and reshaping these stories, we can transform our mindset and improve our performance.

Common Negative Narratives

• "I'm not good enough to be a coach."

• "I'll never meet the ICF standards."

• "Every assessor is biased against me."

These narratives are powerful because they stem from our deepest fears and insecurities. But they are also just that—narratives. We have the power to change them.

Transforming Your Story

One of my clients, John, struggled with the narrative that he wasn't skilled enough to be a coach. This belief held him back, leading to anxiety and underperformance. Through coaching, John began to challenge this narrative. He started focusing on his strengths and areas of growth rather than fixating on perceived shortcomings. Over time, his confidence grew, and he passed his PCC assessment with flying colors.

Techniques for Reshaping Narratives

• Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on the stories you tell yourself. Are they based on facts or fears?

• Positive Affirmations: Replace negative narratives with positive affirmations. For example, "I am a capable coach, and I can learn and grow."

• Seek Feedback: Get feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain a balanced perspective on your abilities.

• Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness practices to stay present and reduce anxiety about the future.

Conclusion

Changing your internal narrative is a journey in itself, but it's a crucial step toward personal and professional growth. In our next post, we will delve into the consistency of ICF standards and explore whether the assessment criteria are applied uniformly across different assessors.