Have you ever heard yourself say any of these statements?
I hate conflict.
I can't think strategically.
I'm terrible at public speaking.
I'll never get myself organized.
I'll never learn how to network properly.
If so, you are not alone. However, these thoughts aren't helping you to be your best. These regular protests from my clients are fixed mindset thoughts expressed by leaders who feel incompetent, believing they lack the right character traits to lead effectively.
As someone who failed miserably at different points in my career, I can relate. I believed I was not cut out for the job, not the right person, and certainly didn't have the right make-up to be a strong, confident leader. But it wasn't true.
Since then, I've purposefully grown. I've chosen to become the person I am today and adopted actions to make that happen. Changing in this intentional way required shifting my beliefs, seeing the past differently, having clear goals and engaging in a growth mindset.
I wish I'd had Personality Isn't Permanent by Dr. Benjamin Hardy fifteen years ago to help me through my transformation. If you are like I was, thinking you are stuck with who you are, think again. Hardy enables you to reframe past traumas and see the potential for growth opportunities.
The future self
The book challenges the conventional belief that personality is fixed and unchangeable, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and transformation, which are critical for leadership development. It introduces the concept of the "future self" and emphasizes the importance of envisioning and working towards becoming the person one aspires to be. The idea of the future self, aligns with the coaching framework I use. I often ask my clients: “What would your future self, the one who's wiser, more experienced and confident, suggest you do here?”
Warning: you'll need a notebook beside you to make this book most effective. Dr. Hardy provides tons of practical strategies and exercises to help you break free from limiting beliefs, create a compelling vision for your future, and develop new habits and behaviours that align with your desired identity.
By challenging the notion of a fixed personality, and offering a roadmap for personal transformation, Personality Isn't Permanent aims to empower you to take control of your life, break free from self-imposed limitations, and create a future that aligns with your true potential.
As a side note, I have also binge-watched Dr. Hardy's YouTube channel for the past few months and regularly recommend some of his videos to my clients. You can find that here: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.benjaminhardy.
Leadership Development Coach and author Kathy Archer provides ongoing training to grow women leaders in Canada's Non-Profit Organizations.
