Consider this… prior to 1954 it was considered “physically impossible” to run a mile in under 4 minutes but that year in England a 25-year-old medical student defied all odds. He ran the mile in 3 minutes 59 seconds. Two months later another person broke the record and since then over 1400 people have run the mile in less than 4 minutes.
How is it that no one ran that fast until the veil of impossibility was lifted?
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space, in that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” - Victor Frankel, Holocaust survivor
What is possible in your life if you are not limited by what other people or you believe, say, or expect? Really think about this, how has your vision or dreams been corralled by external expectations? What blinders have you put on that unconsciously stagnate your growth?
What if you didn’t listen to those beliefs? What if you appreciate the challenge and choose to defy the perceived odds?
Limiting belief is grounded in three main principles:
Self-awareness or self-leadership
Fear
Self-worth
Self-awareness: Tackling this requires mental clarity and mindfulness, to begin to recognize and challenge what we have taken for granted. Slow your responses and lead with curiosity as to “why”? Not in an aggressive way, but in a spirit of uncovering what “has been” for so long. With the excitement and openness of a child, see things without borders or expectation. See what could be, what is possible if we allow for change.
Ground your vision and dive into something greater than yourself and keep your focus at the forefront.
Who is to determine what YOU are capable of?
Whether it is a physical challenge or a work project, your success is directly correlated with what you believe is possible. If you think you can’t… you are right!
“Self-leadership” refers to self-accountability. Leadership is the epitome of intentionality if you are a leader worth following.
Be mindful of the actions you take, the words you speak, and the example you set. Andy Stanley does a beautiful job of laying this out in this podcast episode titled Self Leadership.
Fear: Let’s talk about the worst-case scenario, what if you fail? Is it the fear of failure that stops you from pushing further and expecting more? Why aren't you fearful of never becoming as spectacular as you could be? Do you see that your inward judge is hijacking your potential success?
Self-worth: How does one become bold and confident? How do you stay focused and not get derailed? Evan Carmichael speaks to this idea in this episode of The Science of Success.
Take inventory of your life. What do you dream to be true but hesitate to act on because of an outside force or opinion? Seeing your gifts and talents is crucial. Recognize your brilliance and connect with how much you have to offer.
To be spectacular, to push the limits, and to live beyond your expectations will require you to step outside your comfort zone and believe in the impossible.
Gather your strength and know your worth, you already have what it takes to succeed!