Get out of your own way!

I had an aha moment on a Zoom catch up with my dear friend Dave last week. He was describing a recent challenge that felt insurmountable. Self doubt + the apparent height of the mountain he'd have to climb to succeed was too daunting of an equation to even take the first step.

And then he did something drastic. He decided to remove one key barrier (himself) and permitted himself to take a first step. And then another. Or as he described it, "I got out of my own way".

We've all heard that phrase, but when Dave said it last week it really resonated with me. So much so I found myself contemplating the phrase all week, it became my mantra for the week.

I recently allowed some limiting beliefs to permeate (not the first time, nor the last), and nearly ground me to a halt on a new project. There were too many apparent obstacles and thus I clearly had no control over the outcome(s).

But who was constructing these obstacles? When I explored deeper, the answer was so clear. It's like I had a whole construction crew building very compelling excuses for why the project/journey was worth the effort.

"Get out of your own way."

Once I was able to spot the cause (me), I could evaluate situations with more clarity and objectivity. And then take a few simple steps forward.

How often do you hold yourself back from what you really want? What are you doing to push past your limiting beliefs? I found the reminders below to be super empowering in helping me to get out of my own way. Maybe they can help you too:

1.) Just start. The hardest part of any new (and old) journey, is starting. Know that everything is messy and that there will never be the perfect time to start.

2.) Focus on one thing at a time. Be ambitious and explore your edges but know that it will only take you so far. We over-estimate what we can accomplish in a week, but under-estimate what we can accomplish in a year.

3.) Let failure rule (a little bit). Instead of being bummed (for tool long) when things don't move your way, appreciate what you've learned in that experience. Failing is hard and yet so beneficial in the long run. There is more growth in failure.

4.) Be consistent and create systems around it. These can technically be separated but they are so closely intertwined in how they help each other that I've left it in. Essentially, the way forward is through consistency and the way to consistency is by creating systems.

5.) Track how you are doing it. Evaluate whether this thing/idea is adding true value to your life and those around you. Are you helping your family or friends? Are you able to see value added to your life and to your work?

6.) Ask for support. There are plenty of people that want to see you succeed because people like helping other people. Let them! It's as much a gift for them as it is for you. And that is a fact!

In the process also remember that life is a daily practice. Sometimes it's effortless, other times it's quite hard. Hold compassion for yourself.

Moments of perfect life balance are fleeting (if it all). Most times we're a little off center in one direction or another. That's OK. Embrace the surprises. Expect some chaos. And keep moving forward!

Love, Jess