April 9, 2024

Hi Tina,

We all have an inner critic. This month, we discover the power of overcoming internal obstacles to unlock professional success. Learn how addressing fears, limited thinking, and lack of motivation can lead to substantial growth.

To your success,

Tina Asher
Business/Career Coach • Trainer • Author
Build U Up Consulting

Playing the Inner Game to Win

Tom has worked at his company for more than four years and knows he does a great job. His boss even tells him so. He’s been wanting to ask for a raise for several months, but it just never seems like the right time to ask. At least, that's what he keeps telling himself.

But could it really be that Tom is afraid of rejection? Or on some level—perhaps a subconscious one—he doesn't feel he "deserves" to get paid well for the work he does?

“In every human endeavor there are two arenas of engagement: the outer and the inner,” says Tim Gallwey, author of The Inner Game of Work. “The outer game is played on an external arena to overcome external obstacles. The inner game takes place within the mind and is played to overcome the self-imposed obstacles.”

You can try harder to change by taking more action in the “outside,” physical world. But if you’re powered by limiting beliefs and negative feelings, chances are you’re just going to go faster in the wrong direction.

So how do you effect real change, change that starts from within? The first step is to identify just what is holding you back. Some common internal roadblocks are:

  • Fear. Probably the most popular culprit, the list of fears is endless. Whatever your fears, they prevent you in some way from experiencing your full potential.
  • Thinking small. If you expect less, you get less. You have to think big and believe you can have success before you will actually experience it.
  • Being out of balance. When we overfocus on certain areas of our lives to the exclusion of others, we experience stress and incongruence. Creativity is then compromised.
  • Lack of motivation. Without passion for what you’re doing (or at least a big payoff), it’s difficult to get moving in any direction.

Once you determine your specific roadblocks, it’s time to face them head on, reprogramming your beliefs and defining (or redefining) your life priorities and purpose. Working with a coach helps many to determine a practical strategy for navigating the roadblocks. Steven Covey of Seven Habits suggests writing a personal mission statement (as you would for a company) and then organizing your life around it.

But whatever you do, keep looking inside. Take responsibility for what you create externally and work on winning the inner game. When you do, you’ll start winning in the outer world, too.


Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications

Recommended Reading

This month instead of a book recommendation, I’d like to share something new. A friend of mine is participating in a 30K run in Utah as a fundraising opportunity to raise money for mental illness. Click on his short video below and see why he’s passionate about supporting this cause. If you’re like me and feel compelled to help with this cause, please consider donating. Thank you.

 

Upcoming Event/Promotion

If you're in the St. Louis area, join us on April 25 as we delve into the keys to unlocking your true potential. Discover how mastering EQ can reshape your approach to success, relationships, and personal fulfillment.

Helpful Resources

 

Managers & Leaders: Download this free guide to discover where you might have opportunities to become a better boss.

 

 

 

Career Help: Unsure about your job? Download this free tool to assess your current career and see where you might be out of balance. 

 

Connect with Me: Ready to transform your career and life? Take the first step toward a brighter future today. Click here to schedule a complimentary Strategy Session, and together, we'll uncover the key steps that will lead you to a more fulfilling and rewarding journey ahead.

Tina Asher
Career Coach • Trainer • Author

With 20+ years in leading, training, sales management, and coaching, Tina Asher brings a broad skillset to helping busy professionals elevate their success. She holds certifications with one of the world's leading sources for science-based, validated assessment and coaching tools. She is a member of the St. Louis National Speakers Association and a graduate of the National Speaker’s Academy. Tina is passionate about serving others to reach their full potential while balancing a full and productive life.

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