Self-imposed Limitations

How can we get out of our way and fulfill our greatest potential? The transition from “I wish” to “I will” may require examining and rewriting our emotional scripts. Our self-imposed limitations are almost always the result of feelings and our inner emotional processing rather than rational thought and objective analysis. As we consider making changes we tend to find comfort in assumptions and beliefs based on past experiences rather than consider a broader perspective and welcome new ideas.

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”  ~ Mark Twain

The scarier the change, the tighter we hold on to our beliefs, the narrower our view becomes, and the more these self-imposed limitations hold us back. Through the many years of coaching people for success, helping them move from avoidance to achievement, I’ve learned that most of us are wired to give ourselves less credit than what we are actually capable of. We often declare failure before even trying because the possibility of failure is just too scary. Once you learn how to free yourself from self-limiting beliefs and identify what’s holding you back, you’d realize you are stronger than you thought, and you will be able to accomplish a whole lot more than you ever gave yourself credit for.

The key is to remain confident and attuned to the opportunities presenting. If you’ve ever attended a Sales training, you may be familiar with the story about the two shoe sales reps who were sent to Africa to see if there was a market for their foot wear. One reported back, “No one wears shoes. No business opportunities” whereas the other reported back “No one wears shoes. Fantastic business opportunities.”

Which sales rep are you?

Everything we are and everything we do is a result of all the things we’ve learned. One important step in our learning is to recognize the voices of our inner critics, our very own personal gremlins who try hard to stop us from moving forward with any goals and future plans. The most effective strategy to silence our inner gremlins is trying. Every risk you take is an opportunity to move past the self-imposed limitations, one small step at a time. Learn to be curious about the possibilities rather than critical about what is or isn’t possible. Assume an experimental and playful approach to exploring new options.

Ask yourself the Three Magic Questions:

1. What are you happy you did?
2. What is working well for you?
3. What else would you like to try?

And then make a decision to tackle a challenge. Ask yourself what’s the worst that can happen if you go for it? Dig deep to expose the inner gremlins and your real fear about making the change. Then make a plan and just do it.

I highly recommend “Taming Your Gremlin” by Rick Carson. He offers simple strategies and good exercises to break through negative self-talk and self-imposed limitations.

I’d love to hear about your gremlins and your success in taming them as you dared try something new and accomplished something you truly care about.