Most of us think that external factors like limited resources, not having family nearby, and our physical surroundings are what's holding us back.
And while they do represent an obstacle, they're not the whole story - or even the most significant piece of it.
Research shows, the biggest barriers to growth and forward movement are actually internal - it's our thoughts about these things that prevents us from taking action.
Prevents us from:
Trying something new
Starting the side hustle
Finally taking the trip
Making the difficult decision
Applying for the (well-deserved) promotion
Going on the date
Asking for help
Getting out of bed and onto the Peloton
Asking a new friend to lunch
Speaking up at the meeting
The *real* reason we don’t do these things is because we are scared, lacking in direction, struggling with imposter syndrome, and/or held back by limiting thoughts and beliefs.
Things are 'fine'... not great, but not completely terrible either
I don't have enough time
I don't feel like it
I’m too old, too young, too overweight
I’m not smart, pretty, qualified enough
If I do it, people will realize I'm not who they thought I was
I don't have what it takes to succeed
I'm not good enough to try it
I can’t make it work because of the kids, the dog, my job, my relationship
I don’t even know what I want anymore
We have a million excuses why we can’t do ‘the thing’.
And so we talk ourselves out of it.
Effectively proving to ourselves that we were right, we can’t do it….
What if instead, we took the chance?
What if we risked looking silly, feeling embarrassed, being vulnerable, or being wrong… and just went for it?
Would it turn out amazing 100% of the time? Of course not.
But consider what you would learn along the way.
You would prove to yourself that:
✨You're someone who takes a chance - even when it’s scary
✨ You’re resilient and determined
✨ Your life will not be dictated by fear and self-doubt
✨ You will NOT remain stagnant
✨ You can feel discomfort, and you can do it anyway (YESS!)
✨ You are here for BIG things
Create evidence for the person you want to be.
The person who does ‘the thing’ even though your heart is beating out of your chest. Even though it’s scary. Even though everyone won’t agree or understand.
Say NO to overthinking, self-doubt, apathy, and indecision.
Say YES to taking focused, thoughtful, and intentional action.
Don't let fear be your boss.
You decide how you show up.
Which direction your life takes.
Take a chance on YOU - what could this look like in your life?
With love,
Carolyn
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