We all have models that we use to navigate the world. Whether we think of them as maps or blueprints, they’re deep patterns of thinking and behaving that shape our experiences. Most of the time, these models are operating on an unconscious level, guiding us without our even realising it. While they’ve gotten us this far, many of these models also hold us back, limiting our potential and preventing us from achieving our goals.
I’d like to share with you how becoming aware of these models and consciously changing them can help you unlock your true potential.
The models we live by are often unconscious, but they’re always present. They shape the way we think, feel, and behave, and they influence every aspect of our lives. Our models are why we feel confident or insecure, why we speak up or stay silent, why we feel worthy or unworthy, and why we take action or procrastinate. They’re the blueprints that guide us through life, and they’re incredibly powerful.
Unfortunately, many of our models are negative or limiting. They’re the result of internal representations of past experiences, cultural conditioning, and other factors that shape our beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. These negative models are the reason why we often feel stuck, unmotivated, or unworthy. They’re the chains that hold us back from realising our full potential.
The good news is, it’s possible to change these models.
The first step is to become aware of them. We need to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and ask ourselves what models are driving them. Are these models positive and empowering, or negative and limiting? Once we identify our models, we can start to question their truthfulness.
Often, our models are based on beliefs that aren’t really true, as in true for everyone. For example, we might believe that we’re not good at public speaking because we had a negative experience once. But is that really a universal truth? Of course not. By questioning the truthfulness of our models, we can start to break free from their limitations.
Once we’ve identified our negative models and questioned their truthfulness, we can start to build new models. These models should be positive, empowering, and aligned with our goals and values. For example, if we’ve been holding back from public speaking because of a negative experience, we can start to build a new model by practising public speaking and focusing on the positive feedback we receive.
Over time, this new model will replace the old one, and we’ll be able to achieve our goals with greater confidence and ease.
In summary
The models we live by are powerful, shaping our lives in ways we might not even realise.
Speaking from experience, many of these models are negative or limiting, holding us back from realising our full potential. When we become aware of our models, question their truthfulness and build new, positive models, we can then fulfil our potential and achieve our goals with greater ease and confidence.
If I were to summarise my personal journey, I’ve achieved far more from subtracting the models and beliefs that are in the way than adding more hacks and faking until you make it.
This week I had an article published in Brainz Magazine about a very specific model – that of masculinity; I’d love to invite you to have a read and let me know your thoughts. You can find it here.
