Everyone carries their story. Sometimes, it is a secret, a past mistake, or simply a chapter of life that one would prefer to forget. The workplace, with its high expectations, can often magnify these narratives. They creep in through doubts, manifest as fears of being “found out”, and can ultimately erode confidence.
Here is a liberating truth: the story itself holds no power. Its strength comes from how you choose to carry it – and what you decide to do with it.
The Weight of Past Stories
Many people carry the weight of their past jobs or professional experiences, whether it is a perceived failure, a toxic work relationship or an undeserved reputation. For others, redundancy can be an especially painful chapter. When a role is made redundant, it is important to remember that it was the role, not the person, who was made redundant. Despite this, it can leave scars, leading to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt or anxiety about your professional future. These stories often resurface unexpectedly, whispering doubts during moments of uncertainty. “What if they find out?” “Am I good enough?” Fear of being exposed can make even the most competent professionals feel like impostors.
How Stories Shape Beliefs
Our internal stories shape our beliefs and by extension, our actions. The words we use to describe ourselves and our experiences wield incredible power. If someone continually tells themselves, “I failed at my last job” or “I am not good at leadership”, it reinforces a negative self-image. For someone affected by redundancy, the narrative might become, “I was not valued” or “I am not employable”. Often, our inner dialogue distorts reality. The decision to make a role redundant is frequently about organisational needs and changes, not a reflection of an individual’s worth. Yet, if left unchecked, such experiences can lead to diminished confidence and self-belief.
Reframing the Narrative
Everyone has the power to reshape their stories. The past need not be a source of shame or doubt. Instead, it can be reframed as a source of strength and growth.
Reframing the Narrative: Consider your experiences through a new lens. Perhaps redundancy, while painful, opened new doors to explore paths that align better with your values and aspirations. It can be seen as an opportunity for growth and renewal, rather than a rejection.
Repurposing the Experience: The things you have learned, survived, and adapted to in the past give you unique strengths today. Whether it was facing redundancy, overcoming difficult work environments, or navigating professional challenges, these experiences are not just lessons but valuable assets that you can bring into your current roles and relationships.
Language Transforms Beliefs: Conscious language is a powerful tool. Shifting from “I was made redundant because I was not needed” to “I was in a role that became redundant, but my skills remain valuable and relevant” changes how you see yourself and how you approach new opportunities.
Practical Steps to Rewrite Your Story
Journalling and Reflection: Writing down your experiences in detail, what happened, how it felt, and its lasting effects, can be a powerful first step in reframing them. Once you have a clear narrative, challenge yourself to find the hidden lessons or strengths that emerged. For example, facing redundancy may have strengthened your adaptability or resilience.
Seek Feedback, Not Validation: Career growth often comes from constructive feedback rather than seeking validation. Approach trusted mentors or colleagues for an honest reflection of your strengths and areas of growth. You may be surprised by their insights.
Engage a Coach: Working with a coach can be a transformative part of rewriting your story. Coaches offer a fresh, unbiased perspective and help identify limiting beliefs, challenge negative self-talk, and create actionable steps towards a new mindset. They hold you accountable and guide you through reframing your narrative, enabling you to recognise your true strengths and potential. For those who have experienced redundancy, a coach can provide invaluable support in rebuilding confidence and identifying new opportunities.
Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing your story, even the difficult parts, with trusted people can create connection and open doors for transformation. Vulnerability breaks down barriers and empowers you to move forward with authenticity and confidence. Often saying and hearing your story out loud takes the power out of it.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Owning your story means acknowledging your past, learning from it, and reshaping how it defines your present and future. Language has the power to transform beliefs, and beliefs shape actions. By consciously reframing your narrative, you can leave the weight of the past behind and step forward into your full potential.
Your story is yours to control. You hold the power to transform it from a source of doubt into a foundation for growth. Remember, while you cannot change the past, you can always rewrite how it lives within you. With every word and step forward, you reclaim your confidence, build resilience, and take charge of your narrative. The next chapter is yours to write.
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