Introspective Time!
We discuss in our sales, operations and strategy meetings the power of fear that limits people (us, our clients, potential clients, vendors, etc.)
Particularly fear of failure. Even if it is not a gripping fear, it limits us in our daily activities, including work.
Fear of hearing a "no", fear of losing a deal, fear of not being liked, fear of public speaking, fear of mistakes, fear of talking about money, fear of... well, you get the point.
Now, I'm not one that subscribes to the theory that sales or business is war. However, I do like some of the concepts presented by various military figures in history. This one in particular...
"Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?"
Sun Tzu, Chinese General and Author, b.500 BC
Do you do all that you can?
If not, why not? Do you even know?
We cannot move forward as well with our lives, our work and our goals if we do not understand what limits us. I encourage you to think about what about yourself limits you!
EXERCISE: Ask others you trust what you do to limit yourself. And tell them you really want to know and won't be upset if they trust you enough to share! And don't be upset no matter what they say. Don't defend yourself. Take their comments and consider them for a few days. You might find something useful if you can accept and sort through the comments honestly.
Unlike other people or the market, our own self-limiting behaviors and beliefs are something we can have control over! Have a great day!
Thanks for posting. I needed a few words of encouragement today.
Glenn - Your points are well-received. Overcoming fears take time (I'm certainly still working on mine). But unless the fears are faced, we will always be limited.
Limiting beliefs are big. Everyone has them on some level. Realizing you have them is a good start.
We do have to overcome the limits we put on ourselves. My problem is I have too many things I want to do and too little time.
Great advice
Than k you !
This could not be more true
I've heard it called "Quieting the Voice" -- the one that says "Maybe you won't be any good at that" or "You're going to look silly if you try that" or "Remember what happened last time you tried and failed, how bad you felt" and on and on. This is the biggest struggle in my life -- and the one that holds the key to the biggest personal success. Thanks for this post!
Get out of your own way. Great advice.
Thanks for providing a moment for reflection....
Vickie, glad this was encouragement when you needed it and thank you for sharing that with me!
Erick, sounds like we are on a similar path! Best of luck!!
Chuck, you are very right, realization is the barrier for most people!
Teresa, like smokey and the bandit... a long way to go and a short time to get there, we're gonna do what that say can't be done! :-)
Fernando, Many thanks!
Jacinta, ... true... very true! Thanks!
Dawn, indeed, isn't it interesting how self-esteem drives us... more so, avoidance of risk on behalf of our self-esteem. Thanks!
Rod, I usually leave each meeting and think about what I did that got in my own way. Takes diligence! Thanks for commenting!
Alan, my pleasure!
This is very true...I know what my obstacles are and often do "busy work" to avoid having to face them. My mother-in-law is also in the business and we have been trying to keep each other on track with facing the obstacles head-on and not cheating to get out of them!
Clint & Mindy, I can face this exact challenge of piddling too much but it is usually when I'm tired. I find that is the time to get away from work for a few hours... rest or do something fun. I come back refreshed and more focused. The buddy-system approach you are using is brilliant!