Earlier this week, I enjoyed listening to a podcast episode featuring two leaders I admire: Pastors Craig Groeschel and Steven Furtick.
Their chat was amazing, but there was one thing they said that stuck with me, and I thought I'd share it with you.
Let me start this off by asking you a question: Do you have dreams or goals you want to chase after?
It could be anything really...write a book, get a promotion, learn a new language, run a 5k.
Now, are there things about yourself that you think might be holding you back from going after those dreams?
I think it’s fair to say that we all have dreams and aspirations. But I also think it’s fair to say that our own beliefs about ourselves can become barriers to achieving them.
How many times have you heard someone say, "I can't do that because I'm just not that type of person"? Or maybe more specific assertions like this...
"I can't start my own business because I'm not entrepreneurial."
"I can't write a book because I’m not creative."
"I can't be the supervisor because I'm not a natural leader."
“I can’t run a 5k because I’m not an athlete.”
"I can't pursue my passion because I'm not talented enough."
"I can't get in shape because I’m not a workout person."
These self-limiting beliefs can hold us back from reaching our full potential and living our best life.
So maybe it’s time to break free from these limitations.
It all starts with challenging those beliefs and taking action.
Arguing for Your Limitations
There's an old motivational quote that goes, “If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them.” Think about it – every time we say, "I can't do this because I'm not that type of person," we're essentially permitting ourselves to stay stuck. Whether it's making new friends, writing a book, or getting in shape, these self-imposed limitations only serve to hold us back from realizing our true potential.
The Power of Perspective
Instead of allowing these beliefs to dictate our actions, what if we shifted our perspective? What if we added something to that old motivational quote? Something like this...
“If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them. But if you agree with God about your potential, you get to grow into it.”
When we argue for our limitations, we focus on our weaknesses and insecurities. But when we agree with God about our potential, we acknowledge and accept the truth of His promises and declarations regarding our potential.
Throughout the Bible, God speaks of His plans for us, plans for good and not for harm, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus also emphasizes our potential for growth and transformation in passages like John 15, where He describes believers as branches connected to Him, the vine, capable of bearing much fruit if we abide in Him.
This perspective aligns our thoughts with God's truth rather than our limitations and doubts. It emphasizes His power to bring about change in our lives.
Taking Action
Growing into our potential is a process of spiritual and personal development enabled by God's grace and guidance. This growth occurs as we surrender our limitations and doubts to God and allow Him to work in and through us.
The apostle Paul emphasizes this concept in his letters, encouraging us to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). He speaks of being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) and of Christ being formed in us (Galatians 4:19).
Note that we are active participants in this process. We need to take action.
But how do we do that? Especially if we’re feeling stuck.
Well, at the risk of oversimplifying things, here’s an idea...
Rather than saying, "I can't do this because I'm not that type of person," ask yourself, "What would I do if I were that person?"
Then go do it.
If getting in shape is your goal, but you’re “not a workout person,” commit to one workout: just one. As soon as it starts...you’re officially a workout person.
If you want to write a book, grab a pen and paper, and start writing, even if it’s only a few words.
Embracing Growth
Remember, growth and change don't happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and perseverance to overcome self-limiting beliefs and become the person you were called to be.
But when we choose to believe in God's promises and embrace our potential in Him, we position ourselves to grow and flourish according to His divine plan. It's not about relying solely on our own strength but trusting in the power of God at work within us.
So, the next time you catch yourself saying, "I can't do this because I'm not that type of person," remember your new perspective. Challenge those self-limiting beliefs by doing the thing you would do if you were that person.
As the saying goes, “If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them.”
So why not argue for your potential instead?
Dedicated to your success,
Sam