This post was originally published on this site.
With the advent of social media came a new communication reckoning. A more fluid path to share ideas, opinions, experiences & observations. We wrote, we read, we liked, shared, we commented. Yet, one area still seems largely impervious to change; remaining petrified and impervious to the facts.
We fail to notice when we are exhausted, excited, energized.
We fail to recognize the change in the beat.
A change in our own hearts.
We fail to influences ourselves (about ourselves).
It ‘s not an old mistake; but one wholly amplified by social media. Over time, we have become so committed to being noticed by others, recognized by others — that we fail to shift our own perspectives of us. This limits our potential in so many ways. Everything seems to land at our doorsteps, yet we fail to pick it up.
I’ve often thought that therapy is one of the only methods to address this fact. There is something vital about someone skilled to navigate our moments and misconceptions alongside us. Yet, even with that exercise, we are often left standing at the proverbial bus stop waiting for a change that never fully manifests.
We struggle (famously so) to actually apply what has been brought to our attention.
I do know that changing perceptions of our ourselves is almost a microscopically slow process of growth & evolution. It behaves in a similar manner to concepts such as confidence or falling in love. You shift slowly, until one day the entire universe of awareness suddenly washes over you. Yet, until that very moment that shift is nearly silent, but all the while dividing, growing.
The way to get to that place of change is somewhat of a mystery. We are often mired in our childhood assessment of ourselves, long after that assessment is invalid. Yet, I cannot think of a better investment of focus.
What holds us back is a lack of commitment. A lack of vision. A lack of hope.
So. I dare you.
Influence yourself.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist who focuses on bringing core stability to our work lives. She is a charter member of the LinkedIn Top Voice Program. Her thoughts on work & life have appeared in various outlets including the Harvard Business Review, The Muse, Brit & Co, Talent Zoo, Forbes, Quartz and The Huffington Post.