Change your thinking, and in moments you can go from not growing to growing, which we define as making your future bigger than your past.
Many of us have experienced a time when we have felt stuck, unable to move forward or make progress. The truth is, sometimes the only thing holding us back is our own thinking. Our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality, and if we're not careful, they can limit our potential for growth.
One effective way to change our thinking is by using the CVS to BVS Thinking Tool, developed by Michael Hewitt-Gleason. By identifying our Current View of the Situation (CVS) and then working to develop a Better View of the Situation (BVS), we can start to see things in a new light. This process helps us to identify any limiting beliefs or negative thoughts that may be holding us back and replaces them with more empowering ones.
For example, let's say you're feeling stuck in your career. Your CVS might be, "I'm not good enough to get a promotion." By working to develop a BVS, you might shift your thinking to, "I have the skills and experience to excel in my field, and I am willing to put in the work to achieve my goals." This new perspective opens up the possibility for growth and progress.
Another example of how the CVS to BVS tool can be applied to a specific skill, is in the field of real estate. One important skill that a real estate agent needs to build is the ability to handle rejection. The CVS might be "I'm not good at handling rejection, it affects my confidence and my ability to sell properties." By working on a BVS, the real estate agent can shift their thinking to "I understand that rejection is a part of the process and it doesn't define my worth as a professional. I am able to learn from every rejection and use it to improve my approach and increase my chances of success." This new perspective helps the agent to focus on the bigger picture, build resilience and improve their ability to handle rejection, ultimately leading to success in their job and a better career growth.
Another way to practice the CVS to BVS tool is while reading. Reading allows us to expose ourselves to new ideas and perspectives, which can help to challenge and change our current thinking. It's important to approach reading with intention, by being cognizant of our CVS and using the information we read to develop a BVS. For example, if your CVS is "I don't believe I can be successful in business" reading a book on successful business strategies and mindset can help you develop a BVS of "I have the potential and ability to be successful in business and I am willing to learn and apply the strategies and mindset to achieve my goals." By reading with purpose and using the information to improve our perspective, we can actively work on developing a better view of the situation and achieve personal breakthroughs.
It's important to note that changing your thinking is not a one-time event. It's a continuous process that requires deliberate practice and commitment. But the benefits are worth it. By shifting our perspective, we can go from feeling stagnant to actively growing and making our future bigger than our past.
So, the next time you find yourself feeling stuck, take a moment to reflect on your thoughts and beliefs. Use the CVS to BVS tool to identify any limiting beliefs and work on developing a better view of the situation. With practice, you'll be surprised at how much your thinking and your life can change for the better.