Managing your mindset throughout your pivot
I’m no neuroscientist, but I’ve become very interested in how our brains can get us very excited about doing something, then completely try to screw you over (and stop you moving forward) very closely afterwards.
You might be able to think about something that's happened to you this week. Perhaps, you were all enthusiastic about making that change that would improve your work life, whether it was having that tricky conversation with the boss/client, following through on making that new biz strategy happen, having the confidence to say yes to investing into your future or even getting that exercise session in.
You were all fired up and had a strong desire, but then you found other things took priority and you started doing things you didn't want to do at all. You witnessed yourself take different actions to the ones that you wanted to take.
Does any of that resonate?
I’ve been observing this in myself over the last few weeks and getting really good at spotting my self-sabotage. Like avoiding writing my new website copy and doing everything else possible instead. I’ve noticed patterns that happen totally unconsciously. The great thing is, once you become aware and you spot your patterns, you can start to do something about it.
So, why do we screw ourselves over when we want to pivot? Why do we say we want X and then do Y?
To explain it in the most simple terms, our complex brains have multiple parts. Dr Steve Paradox, author of The Chimp Paradox outlines our brain as having three core parts, out human brain (prefrontal cortex), our chimp brain (limbic) and our computer (that stores our learnt behaviour and info).
The human part of the brain is the part of us that makes plans, set goals and considers the future. The human brain loves progress and personal development, the human desires growth and doing something with purpose. The human brain comes up with the idea in the first place.
The chimp part of the brain loves instant gratification, pleasure and safety. The chimp part of the brain can join the human in being excited about an idea, but as soon as something becomes scary, hard or boring, the chimp will try and sabotage you.
And the annoying part is, the chimp brain is much, much bigger and stronger than the human part of the brain. (We evolved into humans, but that chimp is still really strong and will beat the human to keep you safe).
The chimp still thinks you are in the jungle and any sense of fear, your chimp is going to do everything possible to keep you from harm.
The chimp thinks fear = risk of death. He doesn’t want you to die, so he stops you from taking risks and daring greatly.
So if handing in your notice, or publishing that blog post, or committing to running that event is just not happening for you, consider whether it's the chimp or human holding you back.
Now we know why we start stuff and then stop, we can start to take action. The good news is, we can work on getting our human brain stronger. Giving the prefrontal cortex more mojo and overruling our self-sabotaging chimp. Professor Margriet Sitskoom, a professor of neuropsychology, says through effort and perseverance we can make our prefrontal cortex more powerful.
“With everything you think, feel and do, you are shaping your brain. And in doing that you are moulding your behaviour and possibilities”.
Sitskoom’s advice is to push your limits a little bit every day to overcome fear.
“Commit yourself to what is important to you, and your brain will get better and better at it”.
In my coaching programmes, I work with my clients to help them get really clear on why they want something, commit to it and take actions towards getting there.
Here are some exercises you could do to start strengthening that human part of your brain. All of them involve raising your awareness of your behaviour so you can start making more conscious choices…
Notice when you end up doing something you don't want to do. You start full of good intentions (write my CV, do that project, meditate daily) but when we’re tired or in a bad mood it doesn’t happen. When do you break your good intentions? Take a few minutes to think and then write down these moments so you can recognise them better
Write down all the moments that you were fully present this week. When did you notice the air, listen to the birds, really tasted the coffee? By noticing these moments, you are building your awareness and strengthening your “human brain”.
Pivoting often involves stepping out of your comfort zone, your inner critic may say things to you that hold you back, like “that will never work”, “you are not qualified”, “you won’t fit in”. What does yours say? Write it down. If you know to expect that voice, you can actively ignore it when it pops up.
Walking and nature are good for your brain. Make a list of 3 places you’d like to walk this week. Plan 3 x 30 minute walks for this week
Relaxation is amazing for your body and your brain. When was the last time you completely switched off?
What dreams have you put on hold? What little step could you take today to move closer towards your dream?
Liz Ward is Founder and Coach at Slick Pivot. Slick Pivot helps new and seasoned entrepreneurs get good at change. Supporting your pivot journey through one to one coaching, bespoke team workshops, and events to help you find more happiness and growth in your work, whether that is quitting your 9-5, starting and growing that business or developing the right mindset for success.
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