Your Limits Aren’t Real

ByMatthew

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.

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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

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