Are You in Love with Your Old Stories?

If you’ve identified a story in your own life that isn’t serving you, ask yourself what would happen if you let it go. How would your life change?

And you can probably identify a story you have that serves you well. How does that story help you?

In the Inner Mastery Academy this month we are working on changing our stories that don’t serve us and creating new stories. It has been so transformative that I wanted to share with you and remind you how you can create your own story that you want to live by.

Here is an example:

Edward was a successful business owner who always told himself, “I’m not good with money.” He used this story as an excuse to not pay attention to the numbers in his business. He was constantly behind on his taxes and he procrastinated getting an LLC set up, even though he knew it would protect him.

But one day, a friend and fellow business owner called out Edward on what he was saying. His friend told him that this story was holding him back from the next level of success. It was Edward’s way of playing small and staying safe.

What’s Your Story?
Every day, we create or use narratives about our lives. These are the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, where we came from, what we want — and what we are capable of.

Maybe you believe you’re a messy person. Saying that you’re messy means you don’t have to be responsible for cleaning up. Or perhaps you say, “I just don’t like people. They drive me crazy. I’m a hermit, this is just how I am.”

What Are You Gaining from This Story?
You can’t shed an old story until you understand why you keep holding onto it. For example, if you tell yourself you’re a hermit, you don’t have to step out of your comfort zone and get to know people. This story feels like it’s keeping you safe because you don’t have to risk getting to know other people.

Maybe your story helps you avoid responsibility. If you insist that you’re too disorganized to run a business, then you don’t have to take responsibility for turning your hobby into the business you’ve always dreamed of.

What Would Happen If You Let This Story Go?
If you’ve identified a story in your own life that isn’t serving you, ask yourself what would happen if you let it go. If you decide that you’re no longer a hermit, how would your life change? Would you start reaching out to the people around you? Would you build a wide network of friends that are eager to support and love on you?
If you decide that you can become organized and run your own business, what would that look like for you? Would you be able to pay off your debts and help your spouse quit that job he hates? Would you be able to send your kids to that private school you’ve always hoped they could attend?

Why New Stories Energize You – More About Edward
Edward took his friend’s words to heart and he got started creating a new story. He hired a bookkeeper so he knows exactly how much he earns. He started paying his taxes on time so he’s not behind anymore. He even filed for that LLC license he needed. Now, Edward doesn’t feel stressed about numbers. This means he is free to spend his time on creating more products for the community he loves serving.

Letting go of old stories sets you free
It gives you energy and makes you see the world in a new way. It also helps you create space for more of what you love and want in your life.

Journal Your Thoughts
1. What’s the story you keep telling yourself and others about your life? About your business?
2. What are you gaining from this story? Does it make you feel safe and comfortable? Does it protect you from responsibility?
3. What would happen if you let this story go? What would your life look like?