A few weeks ago, when I asked you if we could have a private conversation - 'What two questions would you ask me?', many came back with the theme being around mindset, belief and confidence, and how can you think differently to have greater success within your business.
I was reminded of an article I had written last year after sitting in on a Mastermind Call with Rich Schefren of Strategic Profits, who is very highly respected in his work with entrepreneurs in the area of The Theory of Constraints.
And wanted to share with you the following quote that I read within one of his report:
“The potential growth and profitability of my business depends on what I put into it. The actual growth and profitability of my enterprise will be determined by the things that limit or cancel my return on that investment. Only when I eliminate my constraints – the things that block my path – will my actual success rise to the level of my potential success.” Rich Schefren
He then goes on to discuss three types of constraints that you can have in your business. The first being Rational Constraints, the second is Procedural Constraints and the third is Self-Imposed Constraints. It is this third constraint that I want to touch on in this article.
Self-Imposed Constraints – necessary conditions and rules that exist only in your mind!
What are the conditions and rules that you have placed on yourself, and how do these conditions and rules stop you from reaching your full potential?
We all have our stories, some of them are there to support us, some are there to protect us, and yes, some are there to hinder us. Is there a story that you are currently telling yourself that is in fact preventing you from moving forward? That is stopping you from being that one barrier away from success?
What is your story? Take a moment to write down the stories you keep telling yourself that are limiting you from reaching your full business potential. Once you have written them down, notice how you feel and ask yourself the following questions: “Does this story serve me well?” What is the purpose of this story for me?” For example: If I don’t change my story, I can’t fail. Nothing ventured, nothing lost.
Then decide which stories you don’t need anymore. Writing them down is one thing, getting rid of them is quite another. Deciding which stories no longer fit you can be as difficult as trying to cull your wardrobe! You know you should get rid of some of your things, especially that white double-breasted jacket with big shoulder pads that keeps staring back at you when you open your wardrobe each morning. It’s the same with your story: you keep it when you don’t need it any more. Some stories may have been with you for years. Despite the fact that they may be holding you back, you find them comfortable and familiar and you insist on continually telling them. Although, it is worth acknowledging that your stories sometimes hold you back as a form of protection, they may be there to stop you from failing, from making sure you don’t overload yourself or from gaining true success. However, if you want true success then you need to change your story.
Make room for a new story - one that will support exactly what it is you want in your business and in your life. Just as deciding to get rid of your old stories can be like culling your wardrobe, taking on a fresh story can be like restocking your wardrobe with exciting new clothes. So take a moment now and write your new story. Write it as if you are living it now. Once you are clear on your new story, start to tell yourself this story everyday. How does this new story feel? Does it serve you better?
Remember, that we are really only limited by our own thoughts. The greatest battle we often have is the batte between our ears!
Let's continue the conversation on our blog or our facebook page, and please share with us your thoughts around your very own Self-Imposed Constraints!
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