Often when we feel stuck, trapped, triggered, or stopped by something whether it be a failed job interview or the 1 kilometer too many in a race we have the belief that it is something that we need to break through. Often perceiving it as a limitation of our mind, our body, or our heart.
But what are limitations?
Limitations are things that stop us from moving forward, a thought, a feeling, a belief that we cannot do better, find better or be better. But what many don’t realize is that limitations are only creations of the mind born of the wounds of the past who have intimidated us into submission. It is when we have made the decision to be smaller than and less than our own potential, do these limitations are made real. It is in this instance we put ourselves in the cage of self-sabotage and denial. As comfortable, easy, and familiar it may be “there is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” in the words of Nelson Mandela. The danger that exists in our lives is not the limitations that might stop us but the decision to settle with the present that will trap us.
So how do we break through them?
The common answer to this question is to keep trying until you do and there is truth to this. However, in the pursuit of breaking through it is unknown how many times we would fail which can be exhausting to the mind, body, and soul. In the words of Denzel Washington please remember that “if you don’t fail, it means that you are not even trying”. So having the commitment to break through is naturally the first step.
Conversely having focused all our energy in trying we sometimes forget the root cause of the limitations which are the belief systems and wounds that have become the soil in which these limitations have grown inside of us. It is important to reflect on the reality if we did not have the bad experience or traumatizing event, we would not have the fears or belief systems that are stopping us from living our best life.
These limitations do not have to define who we are, but they should be seen as opportunities to learn the skills necessary to achieve the life we are capable of living and more. So, take a moment and take a deep breathe, and afterwards reflect on these questions and the life you can create.
1. What’s stopping me from smiling and laughing?
2. What limitations are holding me back?
3. What memories and past experiences are still defining my life?
4. Am I ready to break through?
5. What am I going to do to break through?