I want to write about why we limit ourselves in all dimensions without even understanding where our limits really apply. Some would say its comfortable to stay where you are and that change is scary. Some would say it’s a fear of failure and that its safer to stay in your lane. Some might argue its down to societal or familial pressure. Some might say it’s all these factors. Or maybe none?

I was always given a very limiting set of beliefs about everything. Once, as a young teenager, I beat all the girls in a running race at School. I skipped all the way home with a smile on my face, proud to tell my parents of my achievements. However, I was met with a look of dismay when I told them I had won a race. I was told to stop running now, as it might make me “too tall” and boys wouldn’t like me. Sad isn’t it!

However, I was always a rebellious child, so I pushed on even further, regularly running 10k’s and adding cycling and swimming to the mix (no I am not a triathlete before you ask!). Sure, I kept on growing but I realised I was getting stronger, fitter, and faster, and that I liked the way I looked and felt, so to hell with that comment!

In a more serious vein though, most of us at one point or another in our relationships, careers or internal conversations have come across self doubt, and whether we are truly doing the right thing. We might have held onto the belief that this is the right way to do things so this is the way I will carry on, right or wrong, feeling stuck. What if we could turn those beliefs onto their head, challenge them, or do away with them all together? How would the solution manifest in that case?

I have been doing many tests of these theories in my own life recently. One example is that I believe I am no good at sales. I pushed myself to sell an expensive brand new car to a family member, so see if they would bite the bullet. I used all the sales techniques I had picked up when watching how others did it. A week later they took delivery of their new Audi and are enjoying it every moment. I now believe I can sell sand in the Sahara Desert. (Well not quite!).

What examples can you share of limiting beliefs that you have realised do not serve you any longer? Would having a coach in your corner help you identify this and work with you to turn this around quicker?

Good luck and believe in yourself above all else.