Sometimes, we are stereotyped or cast into a mold that we didn’t choose for ourselves. Perhaps someone tells us that we are not smart enough to go to college or to work a certain job. They place our abilities in a box, and we believe it, remaining constrained by them.
It’s kind of like the conditioning of elephants. As babies, they are tethered to a rope that is tied to a stake in the ground. They can’t break free from it, so they learn to stay in the space they have, while tethered to the rope. As adults, they are tethered the same way. Being so big and strong now, they can easily break free from the rope. But they never do. They stay there, tied, confined to the little space they have to wander around, while never daring to break free. Why? Because they have been conditioned to believe that if they try to break away from the rope, they won’t be able to. Their belief gets in the way of them discovering that their experience can be different.
It is easy to give in to the abilities and capabilities that are predetermined for us. Sometimes it may feel like life is easier if we just live up to what someone says we are able to do and not strive to be more. Often, we feel we aren’t equipped or qualified to achieve anything beyond what has been expected for us.
Sometimes our own self-doubt creeps in and tells us we aren’t good enough to do something. Or our own fear of failure keeps us from trying something new. Or perhaps it is that “friend” or family member that reminds us of all the times we’ve fallen short before.
But no matter what anybody tells you, you are capable of more than you know.
It is often only in the process of struggling to achieve something, that we discover what we are made of and just how capable we are. And it is the twists and turns of that journey that causes growth, not reaching the final destination.
How Do You Discover How Capable You Are?
First, determine what it is that is placing limits on you. Is it your own fear, or it is what someone else is tell you? How can you address these limitations?
Next, figure out what it is you want to do and break out of the chains that have been placed on you. Come out of that box you’re in and face new challenges with courage and determination. Take baby steps if you have to. Just get moving in the direction you want to go in.
Finally, remember that you are your only limit. Don’t let your fears stop you from doing anything. Instead of letting self-limiting behaviors stifle you, challenge yourself. Set a goal and create steps needed to achieve it.
The truth is, we cannot afford to live in potential for the rest of our lives. Life is happening now. And our time here is limited. Make your move.
Remember, life hands us moments that can help define us. What we do with those moments shows us what we are capable of doing. We just have to take the chance. And more times than not, we discover we are much more than the limitations we have placed on ourselves or have allowed others to place on us.
