What’s Your Kryptonite?
Someone I know very well sees a cardiologist every six months. Each time he goes, he asks me to attend as well. Why? Well, before I would tag along and he was there by himself, his brain would go to mush; he would forget the questions he wanted to ask and what the specialist asked him to do. I’m talking about a very intelligent and knowledgeable person and his kryptonite!
What’s your kryptonite? What takes away your power?
Kryptonite is a metaphor for vulnerability and the idea that even the mightiest heroes have weaknesses. It humanises Superman, making his struggles and triumphs more relatable to readers and viewers. It highlights the duality of strength and vulnerability, showing that even the strongest among us have their Achilles' heel.
Does a lack of self-confidence or self-esteem cause you to fear:
Asking for something and being rejected?
Being criticised?
Not being good enough?
Tripping up on a word?
Other people’s opinions about what you say or look like?
Being misunderstood?
Misunderstanding?
Judgement?
Rejection?
Saying the wrong thing?
Awkward silence?
Impressing others?
Next time you experience your kryptonite, whether from the list above or your own special variety, try to NOTICE what is happening as your amygdala kicks in with its protection mechanisms, firing you up to fight, flight, or freeze. This is important as it is in the NOTICING that you can get ahead of the fear. It puts you halfway there, in the direction you want to go because noticing engages a different part of your brain.
What I’ve found works even better than just noticing is to smile at the noticing. When you smile because you notice something, physiological and psychological processes are triggered. Facial muscles activate, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which elevate mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Smiling can also lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system, and enhance social bonding and self-confidence. This creates a positive feedback loop that not only improves personal well-being but also fosters positive social interactions.
I know it sounds banal. But if you doubt its impact, take my Grandmother Rosa’s advice for smiling instead:
Rosa lived to be 94 and died at the home she had lived in since she and my grandfather bought it not long after their wedding. I think Grandma was 15 at the time. Here’s her advice, first given when I was just a teenager:
“Desley, be careful what mood you hold in life because it will show up in your face as a permanent fixture as you get older. It will shape how you view the world and how others view you. It’s much better to grow old with the wrinkles of a smile than the wrinkles of a frown.”
(Yes, that’s me with Rosa ☺)
Coaching: An Antidote to Your Kryptonite
Coaching can be immensely beneficial when a recurring challenge undermines your potential. A coach's objectivity can help you make sense of your kryptonite through personalised support and fostering self-awareness and resilience. By helping you create actionable plans, coaching helps you build confidence and develop the skills necessary to navigate obstacles effectively, ultimately enhancing your overall performance and well-being.
“TURN YOUR WOUNDS INTO WISDOM.” OPRAH WINFREY
Next Steps
If you want to make progress on your kryptonite, use this link to schedule a chat with Dr Desley Lodwick.
