Trading on Target: How to Cultivate a Winner's State of Mind

RETELLING THE STORY

How can you stop yourself from getting caught up in the stories of your painful, frightening losses? Once you have told yourself the story, listen to what you are actually saying. Really listen. Then ask yourself this question: “Will this story empower me?” If the answer is “Yes” and you feel energized and motivated to succeed and be fulfilled by the story, then go for it. But if you can honestly say that the story will deprive you of energy and the will to move forward, then you need to reframe your story. Like Bethany, you can simply reframe it as an aberration on the way to your passion or you can reframe it as a learning experience.

Recently, many highly successful political and public figures have developed a non-stick surface when caught in messy, compromising situations. What they have learned to do is reframe the story so they become empowered or at the very least absolved from blame. Most of us would be embarrassed to the point of paralysis by the public exposure of these peccadilloes; yet, these public figures move forward with their careers intact because they are not attached to their stories. This talent for reframing should not absolve you from leading a responsible life, but it will protect you from being destroyed by the emotional blows that can cripple your performance.