Everyone has dreams, but not everyone makes their dreams into goals. You may have a few of these too. What are the stories that you tell yourself late at night to put the shutdown on making them a reality?
These stories are beliefs that you have, but that doesn’t mean they are valid stories.
Five of the most common stories that we tell ourselves are:
1. Not Enough Time
Everyone is busy these days. When someone asks how you are doing, you probably respond with “Busy.” But that might not be the truth. Everyone has the same twenty-four hours in the day. For a week or two, keep a time journal of how you spent your time. Include: sleeping, preparing and eating meals, social media, getting ready for work, cleaning your house, travel.
Take a good look at how your time is spent, and you might have more time than you realise.
2. I Don’t Have ‘X’ Talent
It doesn’t matter if you want to write a book or paint a picture, you have as much talent as you are willing to work for. You may not have been born with the natural ability to paint, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn and practice.
Enjoy the process, the learnings, the achievement of what you put in.
3. After ‘X’ I Will Do It
“Once I get through this (insert tough project at work), I will start training for that marathon.” “After I lose 5 kilos, I will take a salsa dancing class.” Why are you waiting? Maybe that marathon training will help you work through the stress of that project at work. Perhaps salsa dancing lessons will allow you realize that no matter your weight, your body is worthy of fun and sexy movement.
If you have a goal, go for it now. Don't wait for some day!
4. I’m Not Good Enough
What ruler are you using to measure your “good enough”? You are always good enough to go after your own dreams and goals. If this is an internal dialogue, then you need to work on liking and loving yourself first. If this belief is coming from external sources, then consider those sources and if they are holding you back.
See support to bring to light why you have this belief.
5. ‘X’ Person Has it Easier
The grass is greener where you water it. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. There are many sayings that sum up that you really don’t know what someone else is going through. So do not assume that someone has it easier, and therefore can achieve their goals while you cannot. That person may think you have it easier or better.
Self-limiting beliefs can be a slippery slope. They can also keep you from even trying to reach your goals.
Take time to examine your reasoning and come up with better beliefs to counter the negative ones.
Look at your stories, are they serving you. If not change your stories.
If you are looking for help to address any of these stories email me leanne@leanneblaney.com.
