You know what you want. You know how badly you want it. You can almost taste it – that’s how close you feel to your goal. You know in your gut it’s meant to be yours. Your heart has been telling you that this thing you want belongs to you, and it’s there for the taking.
And then your brain gets in the way.
Your mind tells you that no, this is too complicated. Your mind tells you it’s too hard. Your mind reminds you that there are probably a million obstacles standing in the way, and you’re setting yourself up for pain and anxiety and difficulty.
Here’s comfort for you: not a single entrepreneur or leader or artist or athlete – not anyone – has escaped a mindset block or two over the course of their journeys. We’re human. We’re all programmed to think and feel, and it’s natural to doubt, worry or get afraid.
The secret is knowing how to bust through these mindset blocks. You may not be able to avoid them, but there are ways, especially through coaching, that you can power through them.
1. Thinking too big.
Yes, there’s value in seeing the big picture. It’s your own personal Everest – your goal is to scale this big, beautiful mountaintop, something other people will surely admire you for accomplishing. You can hear the accolades now, and you know how it will feel to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
But then you stand back and look at this enormous mountain of a goal and you start thinking, “How on earth would I ever do that?”
First, breathe. Second, stop looking at the top. While it’s fine – and even encouraged – to keep your eye on the prize, success appears in the little things too. Celebrate every time you take a step forward. Ring the bells every time you do something that gets you closer to your end goal. If you’ve got your sights set on a six-figure income from your side hustle, for example, be as thrilled with your fourth customer as you were with your first. If your goal is to increase your happiness set point, take great pleasure in the five minutes you spent laughing today.
2. Thinking you’re alone.
Of all limiting beliefs, this is the quietest and the most painful. Some of us think there’s just no one available to talk to or be with, while others purposely resist partnerships and collaboration, saying things like, “No, I don’t need help,” as if seeking help minimizes one’s success.
Human beings are social creatures. We need each other. Extroverts thrive on large gatherings, while introverts prefer more intimate settings.
There is power in partnership. Disclaimer: this does not mean you need a life partner or a business partner. What this means is that you must be open to the kindness and support of other people, because someday, one day, you’ll need it. On the road to success are a million challenges, and knowing that someone has your back may be all the support you need.