Embracing complex is how we simplify

If you don't know what the Simple Mind is: a newsletter for driven professionals, sharing weekly tools to help you simplify the way you think (intro video here). Now, off to the first edition -- Happy Reading!

I wanted to start strong guys. I wanted to impress and leave you with a thought-provoking statement.

Then I got scared.

A bunch of comments chimed in in my mind. Sounded pretty much like this:

• ‘Thought-provoking may mean unsubscriptions. Unsubscription means you suck.’?no pressure here
• ‘Does this even make sense? I need to get this draft reviewed by at least 5 friends…’
• ‘Am I seriously kicking off with the complexity of my own mind? A great example of simple really…’

It took a couple of breaths to get back to neutral and accept my initial decision: instead of trying to impress you, I’ll lead with vulnerability. After all, vulnerability is the only path to transformation.

Introducing UPiOH

Since I started coaching, I’ve realized many of us go through these inner chats. They don’t always manifest in the same way, but the principle remains the same, and normalizing it is freeing.

So, now that you know some of the conversations happening in my mind, let's dive in.

I’ve named it the United People in Our Head. (UPiOH).

• Its mission: protect us. Sometimes from real danger. More often than not, from perceived danger — sounding like an idiot for instance
• How it works: like a board of directors. We’ll call the members personas.?

Everyone on the board shares the same mission and vision (on paper), but each persona represents a different side of you. Have you ever been in a tense cross-functional meeting?

Each department has its own needs, priorities, and strategies. There’s not always room to understand the other’s side.

Sometimes, one persona takes over (Imposter syndrome to name a famous one). Others, usually amid a storm, everyone shouts their ideas and threatens, but no one listens. Well, except you.?

What happens when you ignore a persona? They come back knocking like a kid you try to ignore. (mom, mom, mom, mom, MOOOOOM!)

The name of the game? Lead and facilitate these inner conversations, without getting caught up in them.

And that my friends, is the first step to simplifying:

Acceptance that within us, co-lives different versions of us (personas), with different needs, priorities, and fears.

Embracing that complexity is how we get to simplify.?

One nudge for you

Every week I’ll share with you a behavior, a habit, or an exercise you can implement, to lead with a simpler mind. I’ll start this week weird, and as you get to know me you’ll realize I have some surprising tools up my sleeves.

Get to know your UPiOH

How, you ask?

Observe. Notice when different personas chime into your head, and get curious about them. No judgment, no trying to shut them up, simply observing.

The idea is to step out of the conversation, so you can dissociate from the persona.

Give it personality

You can come up with your own board of directors title and name the persona you notice. You could use creative nicknames (Scared Scarlet, Complain Jane, etc.) or create monster names. Have fun with it.

I also invite you to imagine what they are like, mentally and physically. If you can, picture them like young kids. You’ll find out why in next week’s newsletter. See what I did here?

Explain it to someone

This one is more of a challenge. Try to explain this concept to someone, it’s the best way to integrate it — or you could send them this, then discuss it.?See what I did here again?

More seriously, I appreciate you for reading and subscribing. Trusting me with your precious email reading time means a lot.

Wishing you, and all your personas an awesome weekend.

See you next Friday,

Orianne

Curious about leadership and mindset coaching? I am always happy to chat. Book an intro call.

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