Overcome the “Pike Syndrome” for Business Growth and Success | Debra Langley

The pike is an aggressive carnivorous fish that quickly devours any small bait fish that comes across its path. Is it possible to change behaviour?

In 1873, Karl mobius, a German zoologist decided to conduct an experiment and test this hypothesis. He placed a large pike into a tank and fed it small bait fish which were quickly devoured by the larger predator. After a while, he divided the tank in two by inserting a heavy pane of glass. The pike was trapped on the one side, ?he proceeded to drop the small bait fish into the other side of the tank.

Instinctively the pike charged the small bait fish, but this time it banged its head violently into the pane of glass. It made several painful attempts, some even stunning the fish somewhat leaving it floating on its back momentarily. After a while, the pike gave up and stopped trying to attack the small fish.

Then Dr Mobius decided to remove the pane of glass, expecting the pike to suddenly swim forward and attack the small bait fish but what happened surprised him. The pike and the small bait fish now peacefully shared the tank.

The pike had conditioned itself to believe that attempting to eat the small bait fish brought pain and it only ate other food provided by Dr Mobius. It assumed that the glass was still in place.

Reluctant and fearful behaviour like this, based on assumptions that no longer exist has become know as “The Pike Syndrome.”

In business and in life, we too can exhibit behaviour just like that of the pike. It can be easy to get stuck in a certain thinking and perspective – always focusing on what we know and do. We let assumptions, self-limiting beliefs, previous failure, or perceptions control our thinking and problem-solving abilities.

After all, being comfortable with procedures and processes can make running a business more efficient due to the power of habit. However, while this methodical way of thinking might provide some security, it’s also important to remember that it can limit our creative thinking.

Whether its regulations adjusting rapidly or customers favouring new services – companies must recognise the fact that their approach needs constant adaption to stay ahead of the competition. Doing this requires taking risks and rejecting self-limiting beliefs about success or profitability - two elements which are key for ensuring sustained growth for your organisation over time.

Understand that circumstances can change at any time - and often do

We've all had moments where we are sure that invariably, something unpleasant will happen. While it's natural to have these self-limiting beliefs, it is important to remember that circumstances can change in an instant. Life is constantly moving and adapting, and what may seem like a permanent or immutable situation can shift in just the same way. Understand that while you may plan for a certain outcome, it may not always line up with our expectations. It’s important to be mindful and flexible so you can adjust when the unexpected happens.

Identify the self-limiting beliefs that are holding you back.

One of the biggest internal obstacles we can face is our own self-limiting beliefs. We can find ourselves stuck in an old way of thinking that holds us back from solving problems or achieving our goals and dreams. Take some time to reflect on the depths of our thought patterns and identify what puts a limit on your perspective. Unearth the specific core beliefs that are inhibiting your ability to progress - such as time constraints or the fear of taking risks - so you can begin to make conscious attempts to move past these mental blinders. With this newfound acknowledgement, you will be able to establish more meaningful objectives for yourself and shift your mindset towards a freer, more abundant future.

Here are some common examples of “The Pike Syndrome”:

Personal Limitations:

·????????I can’t do anything to change it..

·????????That’s just the way things are…

·????????I am too old…

·????????I am not smart enough…

·????????I don’t have enough experience…

Business Limitations:

·????????We have tried that before…

·????????Head Office won’t let us …

·????????Management never listens to us …

·????????Company policy doesn’t allow us to ….

·????????That’s not how we do it …

Self-limiting statements like this are simply an excuse that limits your thinking and holds you back. Just like the pike you may have bumped your head a few times and so stop questioning and trying when things may have since changed.

Adopt a growth mindset and don't allow fear to hold you back from taking risks.

You are not a pike! Embrace a growth mindset and challenge things that were not possible before. Be open to taking risks and don't let fear be an obstacle in the way of progress. Having self-limiting beliefs can be damaging and hinder your progress, but having the right attitude and outlook can make all the difference. Don't be afraid of making mistakes or coming up against challenges, as it's all part of the learning journey. Iterate, learn, and take risks - this is how great accomplishment and innovation happens.

Find strength in uncertainty - use it to your advantage.

In today's ever-evolving environment, change has become one of the only constants. While uncertainty can often be a source of fear and insecurity, it can offer just as much potential to uncover unique opportunities and great strength if you choose to embrace it. Rather than self-limiting beliefs, be willing to explore options with an open mind and strive to view every situation with optimism. Doing so will enable you to not only navigate the unknown but leverage it for successful outcomes. After all, we never know how much power lies in our ability to rise when faced with uncertainty.

Accept change as part of life, even if it's not always easy.

Embracing change as part of life is not always an easy decision, but it's a necessary one. Challenges come in many forms, often accompanied by uncertainty and doubt. However, having the courage to accept change can provide immense growth opportunities. It’s important to remember that we are often held back by our self-limiting beliefs - only when those are embraced can real progress be made, no matter how difficult things become. Accepting change isn't easy, but with an open mind and a willingness to try new approaches, it’s possible to take on any challenge and emerge stronger than before.

Embrace challenges and learn from them - look for potential opportunities.

Accepting change can be daunting, but it is the key to ongoing growth and development. Those who face challenges with an open mind and strive for possibilities rather than limitations are well-positioned to not only overcome obstacles but create solutions and capitalize on new opportunities. Change in its various forms helps push us past self-limiting beliefs so that we may excel and truly enjoy our accomplishments along the way. Taking risks and embracing diversity as a means of exploration allows us to uncover potential where none seemed previously existent. So, make sure to always keep an eye out for potential opportunities while never being afraid to challenge yourself when an obstacle arises - you never know what might come of it!

In life, things can quickly change at any given moment, no matter how secure or unchanging one's current circumstances may seem. Stay open and adaptable while also maintaining a growth mindset. While fear and uncertainty might be paralysing at times, allowing them to take control will only limit us further; however, if we use our fears and uncertainties as an opportunity for growth, the potential for success is limitless.

Recognising our self-limiting beliefs can help us unlock our own inner strength and courage. Only then will we be able to accept change as part of life, embrace challenges along the way, and find opportunities where we least expect them.?

Reposted from debralangley.com