For a good part of my life I thought I was terrible at math. If I’d make an error when figuring out how much to tip, I’d say, “I suck at math.” The problem is that every time I said this it reinforced the belief that I was not good at math. Let’s add in here, my generation often discounted women’s ability when it came to math or science so there’s that. Ultimately, I stayed away from anything “math-y” simply because I believed I wasn’t cut out for numbers. Until I discovered I was just fine.
When I owned my own business my biggest fear was the financial piece, figuring out a P&L sheet budgeting, growth percentages, etc. Rather than hire someone I noodled through it. I figured it out and was able to do what was needed to keep my business running well. When I had to manage a 1.4million dollar budget for a non-profit, I worked with an accountant who walked me through the areas I struggled with. Eventually, I was able to review the numbers and adjust expenditures and revenues as needed ultimately creating a very healthy, robust budget. Turns out if I just put my mind to it, I was able to figure it out. I wasn’t bad at math, I just didn’t particularly care for it. Acknowledging this meant a big switch with internal messaging.
I think about the times I wasted and situations I avoided because I worried I wouldn’t be able to do the math. Some opportunities came my way which I passed up because I figured I needed to have more of a “math mind” to succeed. Bottom line, I doubted something about myself that in fact wasn’t true. I changed the messaging from negative to positive, “Numbers aren’t my passion, but I get them.” It’s like writing for some. They swear they cannot write. Maybe it is their belief because they just don’t love writing, not that they’re bad at it. There’s a big difference when this mental shift happens.
How many things do we second guess about ourselves that may prevent us from learning and growing? How many messages do you continue to play in your head that don’t serve you well?
Perhaps it’s time to look at what might be holding you back from growth opportunities like applying for a new job or asking for a raise. Old beliefs can get in the way of our potential limiting opportunities for success.
What old messages may be holding you back?
Thinking Out Loud,
Nicki