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Sometimes you get in the way of your own capabilities. We all do.
Self-doubt hold us back from succeeding, even living a good life, and sometimes our doubt can sabotage the journey. Whether it’s being afraid of heights and never flying at all or holding low expectations as to never be disappointed, we are all human and we have flaws. Holding ourselves back is oftentimes one of them.
But here is what you need to remember: you may be fully capable of getting to exactly where you want to be, even if it’s in a different way than you originally thought. Yet more often than not, you’re too busy standing in your own way to get there.
Let me tell you the seven ways this might be happening, and more importantly, seven ways to get yourself back on track.
1. Can’t or Won’t
Have you ever had those people in your life who ask you whether you can’t do something or you just don’t want to? A lot of holding yourself back comes from doubting your own potential— it’s not that you are incapable of doing something, but it could be that there may be a chance of failure, of something not turning out the way you want it to. The question isn’t whether or not you can do it, it’s whether or not you are willing to try.
2. You vs. Them
Comparisons are where the insecurity begins. I know it sounds cheesy, but this is all you need to know here: live your life for you in the only way you can. Don’t let anyone else write your story.
3. To Be Enough
In the same vein as comparison, there is no real definition for being “good enough.” Find your own way to define what kind of person you want to be. Then make it happen.
4. Big Hopes, Little Action
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As with anything, you have to put in the energy to get the results you’re looking for. If I want to write a book, I have to put in the hours to both write it and edit the content until I believe it’s finished. Just like getting into college, finding a new job, or even making friends, they all start with you and how much you’re willing to put in. No matter how much you hope for something big, the dreams and ideas you hold, the effort has to match those hopes. Or you will never reach them.
5. Gotta Risk it to Get the Biscuit
If you’ve ever seen the movie Fired Up, you’ve heard that phrase. Nothing comes without a little risk; this could be money, time, sanity, security, or sometimes even friends. Gotta risk it to get the biscuit. Find out what’s worth it.
6. Trust Your Talent
It helps to have people back you up and I know that support can be everything. That includes supporting yourself. If you know you’ve got something to offer the world, do whatever it takes to put yourself out there and prove it.
7. Work Hard, Play Hard
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Theres this phrase that goes “if you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” It’s not true. Your work is work, whether you love it or not. Your time, energy, and work goes into what you do. So work hard, give it everything you’ve got, and let the effort you pour into it be worth something. And while you do, to avoid burnout in the least, find a balance— don’t forget to play hard too.
Any other ways you tend to get in your own way? Feel free to add to the list in the comments below!
Have a fantastic weekend everyone, see you Tuesday for a new Poetry Place.
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