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Brain Circuits
6 things your inner child can do for you
Our inner child often surfaces when we’re triggered by situations that echo old wounds, demanding to be reassured and protected, and derailing our professional effectiveness. But suppose that child could be a powerful ally to you in the workplace? Here’s how reconnecting with your “blank-slate” self can help you become more resilient, brave, and innovative.
Things your inner child once did that you may no longer do
1. Takes risks
Imagine yourself as a baby learning to walk. You don’t even know that’s what you’re doing – you’re just trying to reach that interesting-looking thing on the coffee table to see what it tastes like. And what on earth is a candle anyway?! You fall, get up, try again, climb on the chair, and fall again…
2. Does not fear sounding silly
You’re learning to talk, and your linguistic skills are impressive. Shockingly, your parents (bless them!) don’t seem to know what “gurgle-spurgle” means. Thankfully, they eventually get with the program and give you the piece of apple you’ve been asking for.
3. Moves on
“Nooooo! I want another piece of apple! I’m not a baby! …. Ooooo – that’s a pretty birdy!” Childhood tantrums can be loud and intense – but we forget them fast and move on to the next project.
4. Thinks out of the box
“What a lovely present! What do you mean, I’m not even playing with it? I’m hiding inside the box with my superhero friends!” As children, we look beyond “the thing” to see everything as having potential – regardless of the value other people assign to it.
5. Questions everything
Children are prone to showering their parents with an endless stream of ‘why’ questions – an innate curiosity that is frequently stifled in our adult lives.
6. Does not hesitate to seek help
There’s no shame in failing or wailing. As kids, we demand – loudly and clearly – rapid intervention when confronted with the seemingly insurmountable challenges of the VUCA world (a cut finger, an empty cookie jar, bedtime).
Key learning
Getting in touch with your inner child is not about putting aside your years of experience, hard-earned skills, and adult judgment, but rather leveraging your childlike qualities and putting them to good use in your professional life.
Further reading
Here’s a wizard idea: Set free your inner Dorothy
Crying at work: Why tears are not the problem
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