Maybe Your Family History Taught You to Avoid Shame at Any Cost?

My shame blocks me from marketing and from taking risks in general, if it thinks there’s a chance I’ll fail and be criticized.

Where did the idea come from that I should avoid failure and criticism at all costs?

The Strauch-Christian family playbook, circa 1960

Not to beat my parents up. They were simply following the 1940s edition of the same book. This family history has created deeply ingrained stories I tell myself.

You have your own edition of a playbook

Your playbook is filled with stories about you and your family. It says who’s the family screw-up, and who’s the golden child. Who’s the flake and who’s the genius. Whose work matters and whose doesn’t.

Though you might not be conscious of any of it.

Why does the playbook matter?

If you aren’t paying attention, your playbook has dictated, and continues to dictate many of your money, business, relationship and life decisions. Maybe most, or possibly all of them. Your playbook may have developed out of your family history, and could include themes of shame, fear, and pain.

Here's how to tell

Look at a problem you’re having in your business or personal life, and see if there’s a family history or story behind it. For instance, maybe you're not marketing because you have a fear of being visible. Maybe it has something to do with your early childhood experiences.

The most debilitating story is this one: are you struggling to value yourself and your work because your playbook says you aren’t worth much?

What would happen if you looked that story in the face and asked yourself if it was REALLY TRUE?

Do you resonate with this?

If so, book a chat with me, and we can figure out if a story is driving your life, and how to change that.

Our work matters.