Work and Worth: Perspectives on Value

The Stories We Tell Ourselves at Work—Rewriting Personal and Professional Narratives

Introduction

Welcome to this issue of Work and Worth, where we continue our exploration of storytelling—not just as a means of communication, but as a powerful tool for transforming personal and professional realities.

The stories we tell ourselves shape everything—from how we approach opportunities to how we navigate setbacks. Some of these stories empower us, while others limit our growth. What if those narratives weren’t truths, but patterns that could be rewritten?

Hypnosis is one of the most effective ways to reprogram subconscious beliefs and shift deeply ingrained narratives. It offers a bridge between our conscious ambitions and the subconscious patterns that shape our actions. In this issue, we explore how personal storytelling, hypnosis, and reframing internal dialogue can help professionals rewrite their career and workplace experiences.

1. The Stories We Tell Ourselves at Work

We all carry workplace narratives—some inherited from past experiences, some internalized from societal expectations, and some reinforced by workplace culture.

Common Workplace Narratives That Hold Us Back:

• “I’m not leadership material.”
• “I always mess up under pressure.”
• “I have to work twice as hard to be noticed.”
• “I’m bad at public speaking.”
• “No one takes my contributions seriously.”

These internal scripts influence everything—our confidence in meetings, our willingness to advocate for ourselves, and even our ability to take risks.

But here’s the truth: These are not facts. They are stories, shaped by past experiences, reinforced over time, and stored in the subconscious mind.

The good news? Stories can be rewritten. (Ask me how I know!)

2. How Hypnosis Helps Reframe Workplace Narratives

Hypnosis is a tool for rewriting subconscious stories. Unlike traditional mindset shifts, which operate at the conscious level, hypnosis allows us to access and update deep-seated beliefs stored in the subconscious.

How It Works:

• Hypnosis creates a relaxed, highly focused state where the mind is more receptive to suggestion.
• Old beliefs can be gently examined and reframed in a way that feels natural and empowering.
• New, supportive narratives can be embedded to replace self-doubt with confidence.

Case Study: Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

Daniel, a high-level executive, avoided leadership meetings because he dreaded speaking in front of groups. Years of negative reinforcement had cemented a belief: “I’m terrible at public speaking.”

Through hypnosis, Daniel accessed the subconscious root of his fear—an early experience of embarrassment when speaking in class. By reframing that moment and introducing a new internal script, Daniel was able to shift his belief. Within weeks, he felt calm and self-assured presenting to his team.

This process applies to any limiting workplace narrative—from imposter syndrome to fear of failure.

3. Turning Limiting Beliefs into Empowering Stories

If you recognize any of these workplace narratives in yourself, consider how they might be reshaped:

• “I’m not good at public speaking” → “I can become more confident with practice.”
• “I’m bad at negotiations” → “I bring value to the table, and my voice matters.”
• “I always fail under pressure” → “I have the ability to perform under stress.”

Reflecting on Your Professional Narrative

To harness the power of personal narratives, it’s essential to engage in reflective practices that allow us to examine and reshape our internal stories.

Steps for Reflection:

1. Self-Awareness: Identify the current narratives influencing your professional life. Are they empowering or limiting?
2. Critical Examination: Analyze the origins of these narratives. Are they based on past experiences, external feedback, or self-imposed beliefs?
3. Reframing: Develop alternative narratives that align with your goals and values, fostering a more positive self-perception.

Reflective writing can be a valuable tool in this process, helping individuals process experiences and develop insights that lead to personal and professional growth.

John Hagel emphasizes that effective personal narratives “trigger a learning mindset,” making us excited about “the opportunity to have more impact over time.”

Transforming Narratives Through Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy offers a pathway to access and modify deep-seated beliefs that form our personal narratives. By working with the subconscious mind, individuals can reframe limiting stories and foster positive change.

Case Study: Overcoming Workplace Stress

“John, a 35-year-old accountant, struggled with high stress due to work pressure. Through hypnotherapy, he learned relaxation techniques and new coping mechanisms, resulting in improved work performance and reduced anxiety.“

Benefits of Hypnotherapy:

• Stress Reduction: Promotes relaxation and reduces workplace anxiety.
• Enhanced Self-Belief: Builds confidence by reshaping negative self-perceptions.
• Behavioral Change: Facilitates the development of new, positive habits.

A study highlighted that hypnotherapy can help individuals process and release unresolved emotions or fears, leading to personal growth and improved professional performance.

Practical Steps to Rewrite Your Professional Narrative

1. Journaling: Regularly write about your professional experiences, focusing on your thoughts and feelings. This practice can help identify recurring themes in your narrative.
2. Seek Feedback: Engage with trusted colleagues or mentors to gain external perspectives on your strengths and areas for growth.
3. Professional Development: Participate in workshops or courses that challenge your current beliefs and expand your skill set.
4. Hypnotherapy Sessions: Consider working with a certified hypnotherapist to address and reframe limiting beliefs.

By actively engaging in these practices, you can transform your personal narrative into one that supports and enhances your professional journey.

Understanding and reshaping your personal narrative is a powerful step toward achieving professional fulfillment and success. By reflecting on your internal stories and utilizing tools like hypnotherapy, you can overcome limitations and unlock your true potential.

4. The Next Layer: The Stories Workplaces Tell Themselves

Just like individuals, workplaces have their own deeply ingrained stories—about leadership, change, and success. These collective narratives shape company culture, decision-making, and team dynamics.

• “We’ve always done it this way.”
• “Leadership won’t listen to new ideas.”
• “We’re not the kind of company that takes big risks.”

In the next issue, we’ll explore how organizations reinforce limiting beliefs and how storytelling and hypnosis can shift workplace culture at a collective level.

Looking Ahead: A Multi-Issue Exploration

• Next Issue: The Stories Workplaces Tell Themselves (How organizations get stuck in outdated narratives—and how to shift them.)
• Final Issue in the Series: Rewriting Workplace Narratives Through Hypnosis (Case studies + a guided exercise to shift personal and team stories.)

Let’s continue this journey together—shaping workplaces that honor both the work we do and the stories we tell about our worth.

If you’re ready to shift outdated narratives, I offer personalized hypnosis sessions designed to help you:

? Reframe limiting workplace beliefs

? Overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt

? Cultivate confidence in public speaking, leadership, and communication

Message me to explore how hypnosis can support your professional growth.

? Curious about my work? You can explore my earlier posts here on LinkedIn or listen to samples on SoundCloud to see if my style resonates with you. https://soundcloud.com/ryvr-moon-publishing

?? Ready to dive in? Visit my Payhip store to experience transformative hypnosis sessions. If limiting self-narrativeshave been holding you back, I highly recommend Rewriting Your Story—a powerful journey to release old patterns and step into new potential. https://payhip.com/RyvrMoon

?? Prefer a personalized experience? Let’s connect for a 1:1 session designed just for you. Book a discovery call to learn more. https://calendly.com/brendafanning/discovery

?? Explore, experience, and transform today!

Warm regards,

Brenda F. -- Author, Advocate for Connection, and Candidate

References:

• Needham, A. (n.d.). Public speaking phobia – Case study. Alix Needham Hypnotherapy. Retrieved from https://alixneedham.com/case-study-public-speaking
• Hagel, J. (2019). The Untapped Potential of Personal Narrative. Retrieved from https://www.johnhagel.com/the-untapped-potential-of-personal-narrative
• Reflective writing. (2025). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflective_writing
• Case Study: Overcoming Workplace Stress. (2024). In The Comprehensive Guide to Hypnosis for Stress Relief. Retrieved from https://seacoasthypnosis.com/the-comprehensive-guide-to-hypnosis-for-stress-relief-techniques-benefits-and-case-studies
• Case Study: Transforming Self-Growth and Leadership through Hypnotherapy. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.gavinmoneytherapy.uk/case-study-transforming-self-growth-and-leadership-through-hypnotherapy