Your Limits Aren’t Real

Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T.S. Eliot

What we can do and what we think we can do are so often far apart.

The problem is 1) we are (generally/overwhelmingly) so wrong about what we’re truly capable of and 2) we take our repeated thoughts about our limits as truth.

The antidote isn’t attempting to do something grand and bold; no, that would be scary and invoke your survival response and you wouldn’t follow through (or likely even start).

Instead, take small steps and be careful to notice the fearful and limiting thoughts that crop up.

As they do, and they will, carefully dispute them with calm, cool truth.

For example, say to yourself: “I could do that if I learned how to do X and Y and practiced the key skills of that thing. It would be tough to learn new skills, and maybe even annoying at times to be a “beginner,” but it might be worth it. I am going to consider this idea in the context of possibility and my ability to learn.”

As you carefully – and resourcefully – do this practice you will 1) get better at understanding yourself and your desires, but 2) you gain confidence and clarity about what you want to do.

Similar Posts

  • It’s Up To You

    The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heav’n of hell and a hell of a heav’n. – John Milton Are you making a “hell” of your “heaven?” What about making a “heaven” of your “hell?” Because both are based in thought, they are equally possible. Our lives, or at least…

  • Start With The Result

    Focus your messages on the results you expect, not on the methods for doing the job. – Marty Brounstein Whether it’s a goal you have, or something you want from others, it’s always better to focus on being clear about what the outcome looks like (than try to prescribe the methods). This way methods can be…

  • Where Are You Headed?

    If we don’t change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed. – Ancient Chinese Proverb Where are you headed? Do you really want to get there? Chances are you don’t, at least not completely. Yes, there are things you like about your life, but some you definitely don’t. Be brave. Be true…

  • Who Is Responsible?

    I believe that we are solely responsible for our choices, and we have to accept the consequences of every deed, word, and thought throughout our lifetime. – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross For so many of us, this concept is foreign. What’s more, for those folks to be confronted with this truth, great upset would likely ensue. But…

  • Why Are We Here, Really?

    The purpose of our lives is to give birth to the best which is within us. – Marianne Williamson What is the purpose of a seed? To germinate and grow into something; a mighty oak for example. What is the purpose of your life? Well, you’ve already germinated, what are you growing into? Are you…

  • The Unlived Life

    If the unexamined life is not worth living, . . . it’s equally true that the unlived life is not worth examining. – Parker Palmer This quote pretty much speaks for itself. Yes, we must examine our lives, and ourselves, continually throughout our lives, but that’s only half of what’s necessary. We must have a…

2 Comments

  1. Wise words, Matt! Change starts with the noticing…

    Also, you and I are on the same page – big growth does not always require big leaps.

    ~ Alli

Comments are closed.