Success Tips: The Power of Childhood Memories
Snow angels, hot cocoa, snowman building, and sled riding: YES, please.
The first snow in a winter is a welcomed sight for this guy. Of course, most Cincinnatians wish winter could come and go without the disruptive white storms. But for me, it brings out unique joy that makes me feel like I am 8 years old again.
Cognitive Memory Theory tells us that our memories create our beliefs, and our beliefs create our feelings. Our memories drive how we feel and how we eventually behave based on those feelings. I have such fond memories of childhood snowstorms that the minute I see flakes, it brings me joy, and I run around like a goofy 8-year-old until I can't take it anymore.
Ironically, my wife has the exact opposite view on snow. She hates it. It always boggled my mind until she shared her first memory of a snowstorm. Her electricity went out, and although it was probably not that dramatic, she remembers feeling very scared in the dark, wondering if the lights would turn back on. Of course, they did and she was fine, but that first memory shaped her beliefs about snow and how she feels about it even to this day.
How about your childhood memories of snow? Go back and dig in. Your first memory will most likely dictate your feelings about snow.
The power of memories doesn’t just dictate our love or hatred of snow; it dictates our beliefs about everything. Often these memories lie in our subconscious and drive our beliefs. This truth certainly goes for how we feel about work and what we strive after in our careers.
We are reminded of this weekly at The Purpose Promise, as we walk with workers to find their purpose and meaningful employment. So often, beliefs about success lie in childhood memories.
If you want to find your unique view on success, think back to your family of origin. What are your memories of how your mom and dad thought about success? Who were influencers that you looked up to at a young age?
Once you determine some of the early memories you have about how you view work, you can start to understand some of your current beliefs. As you bring these memories into your conscious memory, you will gain the power to dispel or adopt the beliefs you may have subconsciously adopted about success. Then, and only then, will you be able to craft your unique view of success.
It’s not an easy process to dig deep into your past; however, subconscious memories will drive your beliefs about work and the way you work. You will spend about half your life working. It is too costly to spend half your life chasing after views of success that are faulty and not unique to yourself.
If you need a little inspiration, check out Nate Krugman’s story. He brought memories to the forefront, analyzed them, and drove towards his unique view of success.
You are made on purpose for a purpose but may never find work aligned with that purpose if you don't do the hard work to dig into the past, bring your memories to the subconscious and own your true beliefs about your success! Why wait any longer? - Start Today!
