Oh hey,
Today, I want to delve into a topic that has been massively on my mind and can help us understand ourselves and our colleagues a little bit better: sub-personalities.
Yep, I know - straight out of a psychotherapy textbook, but trust me, it's super relevant to our daily lives and work too.
So, what are sub-personalities?
Sub-personalities are essentially the different 'selves' that coexist within each of us. Think of them as distinct characters that play various roles in the story of our lives. These sub-personalities can be shaped by our experiences, environment, and even our aspirations.
The reason I've been thinking about them this week is that my 'Rebellious Teenager' has been kicking in. She's the one that's my protector when I'm dealing with different situations. She's certainly helpful for giving me some fire and energy but I actually prefer it when my 'Wise Adult' takes the wheel - things are a lot calmer and more considered then!
You might have a 'Perfectionist' who insists everything be flawless, a 'Procrastinator' who convinces you to delay tasks or a 'Cheerleader' who motivates you during tough times. For me, recognising these sub-personalities has massively helped me understand my behaviours and motivations on a deeper level - and, therefore, how I can manage them a bit better.
Understanding sub-personalities also really helps to improve our interactions with others.
When we know which part of ourselves drives our actions, we can make more conscious choices and better manage our responses. This awareness is especially crucial in a dynamic work environment like ours, where collaboration and communication are key.
Identifying your sub-personalities...
Here's a simple exercise to start identifying your sub-personalities:
1. Reflect on different situations: Think about different scenarios at work - meeting deadlines, brainstorming sessions, handling conflicts. Notice the varying attitudes, thoughts, and feelings you experience. Are there any patterns in those?
2. Name your sub-personalities: Give each distinct aspect or pattern a name. For example, you might recognise a 'Problem-Solver' in meetings, a 'Critic' when reviewing your work, or a 'Peacemaker' during conflicts.
3. Understand their motivations: Consider what each sub-personality wants. The 'Perfectionist' might seek approval, while the 'Procrastinator' might fear failure.
We can leverage the strengths of our sub-personalities and better manage their weaknesses:
1. Embrace the positive: Let your 'Cheerleader' boost your morale and your 'Problem-Solver' guide you through challenges.
2. Balance the negative: Acknowledge the less helpful sub-personalities without letting them dominate. For instance, when my 'Rebellious Teenager' comes out, I use her energy but don't let her be destructive!
Practice makes perfect.
Next time you feel a strong reaction to a situation, take a moment to identify which sub-personality is at play. Are you feeling anxious because your 'Perfectionist' is in overdrive? Is your 'Innovator' pushing you to take a bold step? I've got a 'Catastrophising Toddler' that loves to come out to create worry. At times like that, I realise I really need to take care of myself - a nap and a cuddle with the dog is normally what the Dr would order!
By becoming more attuned to some of these inner-dialogues, we can navigate ourselves better - especially when times feel trickier. Personally, I find tools like this so useful for separating myself from my thoughts - especially the ones that might not serve me!
Have a great week and I hope you find it interesting delving into your brain and those different parts to it!
Cate x
Oh hey,
Today, I want to delve into a topic that has been massively on my mind and can help us understand ourselves and our colleagues a little bit better: sub-personalities.
Yep, I know - straight out of a psychotherapy textbook, but trust me, it's super relevant to our daily lives and work too.
So, what are sub-personalities?
Sub-personalities are essentially the different 'selves' that coexist within each of us. Think of them as distinct characters that play various roles in the story of our lives. These sub-personalities can be shaped by our experiences, environment, and even our aspirations.
The reason I've been thinking about them this week is that my 'Rebellious Teenager' has been kicking in. She's the one that's my protector when I'm dealing with different situations. She's certainly helpful for giving me some fire and energy but I actually prefer it when my 'Wise Adult' takes the wheel - things are a lot calmer and more considered then!
You might have a 'Perfectionist' who insists everything be flawless, a 'Procrastinator' who convinces you to delay tasks or a 'Cheerleader' who motivates you during tough times. For me, recognising these sub-personalities has massively helped me understand my behaviours and motivations on a deeper level - and, therefore, how I can manage them a bit better.
Understanding sub-personalities also really helps to improve our interactions with others.
When we know which part of ourselves drives our actions, we can make more conscious choices and better manage our responses. This awareness is especially crucial in a dynamic work environment like ours, where collaboration and communication are key.
Identifying your sub-personalities...
Here's a simple exercise to start identifying your sub-personalities:
1. Reflect on different situations: Think about different scenarios at work - meeting deadlines, brainstorming sessions, handling conflicts. Notice the varying attitudes, thoughts, and feelings you experience. Are there any patterns in those?
2. Name your sub-personalities: Give each distinct aspect or pattern a name. For example, you might recognise a 'Problem-Solver' in meetings, a 'Critic' when reviewing your work, or a 'Peacemaker' during conflicts.
3. Understand their motivations: Consider what each sub-personality wants. The 'Perfectionist' might seek approval, while the 'Procrastinator' might fear failure.
We can leverage the strengths of our sub-personalities and better manage their weaknesses:
1. Embrace the positive: Let your 'Cheerleader' boost your morale and your 'Problem-Solver' guide you through challenges.
2. Balance the negative: Acknowledge the less helpful sub-personalities without letting them dominate. For instance, when my 'Rebellious Teenager' comes out, I use her energy but don't let her be destructive!
Practice makes perfect.
Next time you feel a strong reaction to a situation, take a moment to identify which sub-personality is at play. Are you feeling anxious because your 'Perfectionist' is in overdrive? Is your 'Innovator' pushing you to take a bold step? I've got a 'Catastrophising Toddler' that loves to come out to create worry. At times like that, I realise I really need to take care of myself - a nap and a cuddle with the dog is normally what the Dr would order!
By becoming more attuned to some of these inner-dialogues, we can navigate ourselves better - especially when times feel trickier. Personally, I find tools like this so useful for separating myself from my thoughts - especially the ones that might not serve me!
Have a great week and I hope you find it interesting delving into your brain and those different parts to it!
Cate x
