8 Unhelpful Thinking Habits as a Sales Professional

Revenue Leaders in Africa

On this weeks episode, our host shares his insights on how to be in control of our thoughts to ensure a sound mind.
1. Mental Filter – When we notice only what the filter allows us to notice, and we dismiss any that that doesn’t fit. It’s like looking through dark blinkers or ‘gloomy specs’ when we get these thoughts we need to establish our self awareness and ask ourselves
2. Mind-Reading – Assuming we know what others are thinking ( usually about us ), pause and ask yourself

• Am I assuming I know what others are thinking?
• What’s the evidence?
• Is there another, more balanced way of looking at it?
• Remember, these could be your thoughts and not theirs!

3. Critical Self- This is when we put ourselves down, self criticism, blaming ourselves for events or situations that are outside of our control. Always remember there are two forces always fighting in your mind, the “Positive” and “Negative’ thoughts – and you need to ensure you subdue the negative thoughts. You can do this through speaking out loud positive affirmations such as:

• I am a wonderful person and totally in control of my mind
• I am responsible for my actions and reactions
• My positive thoughts have subdued anything negative

4. Judgements – this is one which practically applies to the majority of us, as human beings and specifically sales reps, we have been somewhat conditioned to judge and evaluate “situations’ which typically forms our personalities. This judgement trait is how we are able to uncover opportunities, intuitively forecast deals and ultimately help in forming relationships. When exercising this trait, we should always remember to ask ourselves;

• I’m making an evaluation about the situation or person. It’s how I make sense of the world, but that doesn’t mean my judgements are always right or helpful. Is there another perspective?

5. Emotional Reasoning – I feel bad so it must be bad!I feel anxious, so I must be in danger. Just because it feels bad, doesn’t necessarily mean it is bad. Our feelings are just a reaction to our thoughts – and thoughts are just automatic brain reflexes.
6. Mountains and Molehills- Exaggerating the risk of danger, or the negatives. Minimising the odds of how things are most likely to turn out, or minimising positives. Always think to yourself:

• Am I exaggerating the bad stuff?
• How would someone else see it?
• Whats most likely to happen?

7. Black and white thinking – Believing that something or someone can be only good or bad, right or wrong, rather than anything in-between or ‘shades or grey’. Question to ask;

• Things aren’t totally white or black – there are shades of grey. Where is this one on the spectrum?

8. Memories – Current situations and events can trigger upsetting memories, leading us to believe that danger is here and now, rather than in the past, causing us distress right now. Remember – This is just a reminder of the past. This was then, and this is now. Even though this memory makes me feel upset, it’s not actually happening again right now.
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To Our Growth
Sales GTM Africa Team