What is it about Spring that makes us want to clean house? OK, to be honest, I never want to clean my house….but like most, I appreciate the results. Another area benefiting from an annual mucking out is our heads. Why not also eke out some free space in our grey matter? You know; the space dedicated to fruitless criticism, aka “self-limiting beliefs.” Here are five of the most noxious;
1. I’m not good enough. When we compare ourselves to others and come up wanting, remember: others are also beautifully imperfect. We may focus on their strengths and ignore their weaknesses. Why not afford ourselves the same courtesy? Make notes about what you could do better, and brain storm some small actions for improvement.
2. What will they think? Humans seem to persist in the delusion that we have some control over what others think of us. Accept that we never really know what is going on in someone else’s head. The good news: when we think they are judging us, most of the time they aren’t thinking of us at all! Instead of “What will they think of me?” ask yourself, “How can I be of service to them?” When our actions come from a place of service, we are too busy to worry about what others are thinking.
3. I shouldn’t. These are the unwritten rules we carry around with us that come from family, friends and society. Take a look at what is stopping you. Can you identify where you may be following a “rule” that is obsolete?
4. It’s impossible. It always seems impossible until it’s done. In the words of Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Impossible goals only seem like that because we cannot see the path to get there. That mountain can be summit-ed with a series of small steps.
5. Someday. “Someday” isn’t so much a self-limiting belief as a mechanism for procrastination. Don’t wait for the time to be perfect. Make an action plan and break it down into small, easily accomplished steps. As the English proverb says, “Where there’s a will there’s a way” so get excited about your “somedays” and take action right now!
It may seem like a big job, but you can make room for more opportunities and bigger dreams. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to get started on my dream of becoming a jazz-singing, fashion-blogging mandolin virtuoso with my own zoo…
Written by Chryseis Green
