The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude. – Julia Child
We all could be much brighter and bolder – basically better version of ourselves if only we didn’t have vicious persistent tapes of outdated beliefs playing in the background of our minds.
You know… the crap stories we tell ourselves and mean girl thoughts that keep you playing small and not really reaching your full awesomeness. (Potential sounded way too boring!).
Here are 6 of the more popular beliefs that circle about that hold you back.
1. “It’s already been done.”
This belief is one that stumbles up so many aspiring entrepreneurs and business women. It’s easy to do a quick Google search and find that other people are doing exactly what you want to be doing. Not only are they doing it but on the surface they’re killing it and seemingly doing it better, faster, or more sparkly than you were dreaming. It doesn’t really matter though. Trust me.
First off knowing that something similar has been done and others are doing it successfully is a sign that there is a market for it. That’s great. Secondly, the service or product you are about to create will be uniquely yours. I trust you’re not going to completely copy someone else’s idea (total bad karma!) so what you will produce will be totally different compared to what’s out there.
Although it’s been done before it’s never been done by you.
New Mantra: “I have so much to offer and I can’t wait to bring my own special twist to the world.”
2. “I’m too old.”
You know how old Julia Child was when she became a household name? She was in her 60s having published her first cook book at 49 years old! Let’s face it! This day and age we are living longer than generations past and we can easily start a whole new venture well into our 50s, 60s and beyond… as long as we believe we can! There is no perfect age to do anything – at least when it comes to business.
New Mantra: “I’m exactly where I’m suppose to be at exactly the right time.”
3. “I don’t have time, energy or money (resource).”
It’s easy to blame resources or things outside ourselves for our lack of success or lack of drive or lack of … well anything and everything. What a vicious circle! But really it is yet another story that we tell ourselves.
Look at the author Laura Hillenbrand. She wrote Seabiscuit and Unbroken (both books sold millions of copies and both were turned into movies) while suffering from devastating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Her condition is so debilitating that she now hardly leaves her home yet she was able to research and write two amazing stories. The passion and drive to accomplish something great will supplant any story that you can easily tell yourself about lack and scarcity. As long as you recognize it.
New Mantra: “I have more than enough time, energy and resources to accomplish anything I set out to achieve.”
4. “I missed the window.”
This reeks of scarcity mindset. There is not just one golden opportunity that presents itself and then Poof! it’s gone. There may be some pretty amazing opportunities that come your way but there are plenty more for the taking if you’re willing and open. The key is to determine if you allowed that opportunity to pass you by because you were afraid or because something else in you said “This just doesn’t feel right.” It’s an important distinction between listening to one’s intuition and acting out of fear and limiting beliefs.
One of my favorite quotes sums it up nicely:
“Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” – Richard Branson
5. “I just don’t have what “it” takes.”
This could also be the “I just don’t have it” syndrome.
What is this elusive “it”? I wonder myself when this one stumbles me up. It can be pretty subjective and depends on the industry you’re in or the goal you’re going after. Determine exactly what “it” is. Is it that you’re not risk averse enough or have a bubbly enough personality or the academic smarts to pull something off.
Consider this: If you were struck with inspiration for an idea, service or product, would the Universe have gifted this to you if it didn’t think you could actually pull it off? Seriously! So forget all the “its” and get back to work.
New Mantra: “I have everything within me to succeed.”
6. “I need more time to prepare.”
Or in other words, “It needs to be perfect.”
Getting things perfect or wanting more time to “prepare” are simply ways to delay, procrastinate, avoid and hide from actually putting things out in the world. I’m all for thoughtful strategic planning however when you plan and plan and plan and plan some more you’re not actually taking any significant action. Dig deep, look hard at your patterns and history and really ask yourself why you need more time.
New Mantra: “I was born to do this and to take action. It need not be perfect for it to be shared with others. I’m ready now to step fully into my own life.”
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Take Action:
1:
What one story have you been retelling yourself as to why you’re not where you want to be with your business? Can you pinpoint where it came from? Write it down and then go set it on fire. Burn it baby!
2:
What one item on your to-do list or your business plan can you put out sooner than you feel comfortable with doing. Meaning not-perfect, not completely battled-tested – but would provide great feedback from your ideal audience.
3:
Write down one mantra that helps rewrite one of your limiting beliefs. Place it on your computer or mirror and read daily.
The post 6 Beliefs That Are Holding You Back From What You Want appeared first on LearnSavvy.