Jessica was a successful entrepreneur who constantly told herself, “I’m not good with money.” She used this narrative as an excuse to not pay attention to the finances coming into and out of her business. She was constantly behind on paying her taxes and she procrastinated getting a legal corporation set up, even though she knew doing so would offer her the greatest protection.
But one day, a friend of hers who was also a fellow business owner, confronted Jessica on what she was stating. Her friend told her that she believed Jessica’s limiting story was holding her back and preventing her from reaching the next level of potential success. That it was Jessica’s way of unconsciously playing small and staying safe without risk.
So, What’s Your Story?
In every waking hour, people are creating story-lines about their lives. These are the stories they repeatedly tell themselves about who they are, where they came from, and what they want (or mostly, what they don’t want).
“I’m not good with money.”
For example, maybe you believe you’re an untidy person. Affirming so means that you don’t have to be responsible for cleaning up after yourself and others.
Or perhaps you keep telling yourself, “I just don’t get along with people all that much. They make me crazy. I’m a recluse, this is just who I am.”
What Are You Gaining From Telling Yourself This Story?
Until you understand why you’re holding onto a specific story, you won’t be able to let it go when it longer serves you. For example, if you tell yourself you’re a solitary person, this might give you the justification to not have to step out of your comfort zone and get out there to meet people. It might feel like this story is keeping you safe because you don’t have to take risks in getting to know other people, and possibly feeling rejected by them.
Possibly, your story helps you escape accountability. If you insist that you’re too disorganized to operate a business, then you don’t have to take responsibility for turning your interests into the business you’ve always dreamed of having.
What Would Happen If You Just Let This Story Go?
If you’ve identified a story that’s no longer serving you, ask yourself what would happen if you just let it go. If you decide that you’re no longer a ‘recluse’, how could your life experiences shift? Would you start reaching out more to the people around you? Would you cultivate a wider network of friends that are keen on supporting and loving you?
If you decide that you can be more organized and become a business owner, what would that look like for you? Would you be able to pay off any debts and help your partner resign from that job s/he hates? Would you be able to register your kids in a private school that you’ve always hoped they could attend?
Why New Stories Energize You
Jessica took her friend’s words seriously and decided that she would create new and more conducive stories. She outsourced a bookkeeper who would let her know exactly how much money she earns. She brought her taxes up-to-date and started paying them on time, so she’s not behind anymore. She even filed her business as an incorporation. Now, Jessica no longer feels stressed and anxious about her finances. This means she has freed her time to create better services/products for the community she loves serving.
Letting go of old stories that don’t serve your best life sets you free! It offers you vibrant energy and helps you perceive the world in a new way. It also allows you create space for more of what you love and want in your life.
