We only use a tiny percentage of our brain’s capacity, and as you know, we are all capable of so much more. Learn how you can overcome the mind games and self-sabotage that are preventing you from flourishing in all areas of your life. Read more…
You will have heard it said that we only use a tiny percentage of our brain’s capacity. However, we have the brain power to make things happen, to achieve things that we never thought possible. Orison Marden, an American writer, said in the beginning of the 20th century: Deep within us dwell slumbering powers; power that would astonish us, that we never dreamed of possessing; forces which revolutionize their lives if aroused and put into action.
Yet while we have great potential waiting to be unleashed there is something opposing it that is even more powerful. It stops us from realising our dreams; it prevents us from taking action, it hinders our chances of achieving the success we desire. It is so powerful that it can even paralyse us. So, what is it that prevents so many people from reaching their potential? What could be even more powerful than the desire to achieve our goals?
Excuse me, you’re in my way!
There is ‘someone’ who wants to stand in the way of your progress, like an overzealous bouncer standing at the door blocking your path to the world of success and achievement. But rather than it being someone external, it is an aspect of you, a sub-personality. It is the part that sabotages you through playing mind games. It tells you to ‘start tomorrow’ to ‘do it later’. When this part of you sees others getting on and achieving their goals, it comes up with justifications as to why you are not, by letting you believe that you’re not as talented, not as capable, not as smart etc. Whatever mind game this part plays, it is often very effective in stopping you from flourishing and being the best version of yourself.
So, what’s this mind game?
The game is called self-sabotage. Like in the game of chess it is equivalent to the powerful King. When it comes to self-sabotage, procrastination is King. This King stands in the doorway that leads from intention to action. Just like the game of chess is a process, so is self-sabotage. It is a complex process already started in early childhood. Unfortunately, this process is a game that pitches people against themselves. It pitches their desire and intention against their impulses and seduces them not into action, but into stagnation.
Emotional not logical
Perhaps that sounds illogical, and this process is exactly that. It is a process that is emotionally driven and not driven by logical consideration. For the part of the brain that is concerned with protecting you, it seems safer not to act but to ‘stay safe’ where you are right now. While this is most useful for survival, we humans are not merely programmed to survive, we are also programmed to evolve and thrive.
This is a perfect dynamic for the mind playing games. The game plays out with the various parts of your brain vying with each other, competing to get your focus and attention. The survival part versus the thriving part. Of course, whatever part you favour with the most attention and energy wins the game!
Don’t give it power
Sabotage can only thrive when you give it power. You need to stop giving ‘King Sabotage’ your focus and attention. While at its core sabotage might be there to protect you, your courage, determination, and desire needs to be greater. While protection based on fear often does a great job, in many cases it does its job too well standing in the way of your progress, your success and ultimately achieving the things that will have a meaningful impact on your life.
Feel the fear
The game can be most effective, the ‘voices’ can be convincing and seductive if you allow them to be. ‘Do it tomorrow, you are too tired today’. ‘Wait till you feel more motivated’. ’You won’t be good at it’. ‘You will never succeed’ etc. The more you listen to these voices, the more power you give them. It is not about not feeling trepidation or uncertainty, but as the saying goes; feel the fear and do it anyway!
Get out of your own way!
Remember Marden? Deep within us dwell slumbering powers; power that would astonish us, that we never dreamed of possessing; forces which revolutionise their lives if aroused and put into action.
You will be amazed at your own capabilities when you get out of your own way. The part of you that has been programmed to excel will win over the part that will try to hold you back. There is a very simple principle called the seed and brick principle. Once you remove a brick that lies on top of a seed, it will grow. Then, all you need to do is make sure you ‘water it’ (by focussing on it) and keep the soil ‘nourished’ (through nourishing your mind with positive and encouraging thoughts) and weeding out negative and limiting thoughts by not giving power to them.
Get out of your own way. When you stop self-sabotage and procrastination in one area of your life it will positively affect all other aspects. There is nothing more satisfying than disempowering self-sabotage and procrastination through empowering yourself.
An unfulfilled life leads to frustration, unhappiness, and discontent. Self-discovery is the road less travelled, but it will lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. To achieve this, you need to go within. For if you don’t go within, you will go without.
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