Is This My Story …. Really?

"There are two sides to every story."

The idea is that when we hear a story, we should take it at face value as we are only hearing a portion. Every situation or conflict contains multiple perspectives, and it's critical to consider all viewpoints before coming to any conclusion. The suggestion here is that no single account, or dare I say, narrative, is fully complete. Understanding both sides can provide a more balanced and accurate picture of fact versus fiction.

With this in mind, here's a question for your consideration in building your coaching business, "What narrative are you telling yourself? What story about you are you believing right now?" Take a moment—mull over your state of mind. Take a deep breath and think about the words and phrases that have readily consumed your mentality. Do you have them at the forefront of your thoughts? Let's narrow down these reflections to hone in on your transition from corporate to coaching or your desire to do so.

Now, with these thoughts in view, examine the external influences—the state of the world, the nation, and your community. We might say that when we deeply dive into the tales we tell ourselves regularly, it is hard to separate what is happening to us from what is happening around us. What do I mean by that? Well, we often base our state of being on external conditions. If the world is in an uproar, so are we. If serenity sprays the social atmosphere, then we live right there with it. The story we share with self is significantly influenced by everything and anything but self. So then, can it be undeniably true?

I challenge you to look closer at the other side of your narrative. Let's study current affairs. We can unarguably agree that uncertainty is high, and the cloud of the unknown has developed into a dense fog. More than likely, words like lost, confused, anxious, afraid, risk—and the like—have found a comfortable home in your story. You then begin to take these words at their word and apply them to you, unconsciously framing a narrative that isn't completely accurate. Your entrepreneurial risk radar is turned up to high when it may not have to be there. But your knee-jerk reaction tells you it does. Therefore, you live there, in a town called PANIC.

The validities are all fed to you. All news influences your outlook, and a fact check never occurs. You plow forward in insecurity, armed with what you believe to be true. Every decision is made based on this story. The actions you take and the moves you make are rooted and grounded in the narrative you are sold on. But what about the other side of the coin?

Can I put on the executive coaching hat for a second? I know it is easy to lean into hysteria when the unknown challenges us. In a state of an emergency, we've learned that we're supposed to sound the alarm and alert the masses that things aren't what they should be. But be careful, for the story we tell ourselves is the story we live out. What if there is no emergency? When you begin to view the other side, you'll discover that the world isn't coming to complete annihilation. It is topsy-turvy and currently offering low guarantees, but it's not all bad news.

When you take your hands off the panic button long enough to explore the other story being told, you'll find opportunities, solutions, room to innovate, and hope you have the power to deploy. You are the light; in the midst of the darkness. You are the shimmering glitter bursting through the dimmed clouds. You control the narrative in that way. How you choose to show up in the story is literally your choice. Subsequent steps can't be taken until you decide what is true. Debunking the story you are telling yourself from the one actually unfolding is key to tackling uncertainty. Only you can disprove fantasy from reality.

Which story will you choose to live out? Choose wisely because it matters in the face of making your next move.

Ready to elevate your readiness to conquer starting a coaching business? Take the Kickstart Solopreneur Risk Quiz to ensure you're prepared to move forward with the story you are crafting for your future!