Recent studies show that before we’re 17 we’re told “we can’t” 150,000 times. We’re told “we can” only 5,000 times. That’s 30:1 programming in favor of the negative. That explains why we limit our lives, our beliefs about ourselves, our goals and our human race. We weren’t born to have the fear and limitations we carry with us. We were born to believe in our potential.
Yet we’re all programmed to be limited. From the moment we’re born, we’re told what we can’t do, shouldn’t do, won’t be. We’re programmed to be less than we are destined to be. It’s part of being a human being. In today’s world the limiting programming is increasing.
Just look at the media. Or maybe note the amount of negative comments on social media. Watch all the marketing focused on triggering our fear. Notice how much fear and/or limitation is out there.
That’s the result of us being programmed. After I started paying attention to my own negative programming, I was astounded at how much of it I saw in our world. And ya know what?
We can all ditch that programming to step into our ultimate and powerful positive selves. The programming isn’t who we really are. It’s a program. And we can change it.
So today, I want to ask you a simple question.
What would you do, what could you do if you knew you were limitless?
Over the next few posts, I’m going to share some thoughts on how to step beyond our limiting programming. Here’s a first step.
- As you go through your day, pay attention to your thoughts.
- Notice the moments in your life when your thoughts tell you to limit your performance, your dreams, your health and/or your actions.
- You might even jot those thoughts down and start looking for the patterns that limit your professional and personal self.
- Also, pay special attention to the limiting thoughts about your business itself.
I did this exercise not so long ago. I was amazed at how much limiting thinking went on inside my head. And I didn’t even know it.
The great news is that at any point in time, the power of our human will, and our ability to reprogram our minds, is far greater than any limiting program.
By the way, I still do this exercise. It’s become a habit now, a habit I’m very happy to have:)
Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and dream designs.
4 Comments
Dan Forbes
November 12, 2013 - 4:28 pmLove the question, Rebel. I also like the similar question, If you knew you couldn’t possibly fail, what would you do?
May we all learn to live a life with no limits.
rebel brown
November 13, 2013 - 11:39 amYES YES and YES Dan!
The great news is that thanks to the technology of our minds and the discoveries of neuroscience, we can all create a limitless life. The power is all in our minds!
Lynn Ferguson-Pinet
November 13, 2013 - 5:25 amWonderful post , I will try the exercise for myself , but it really struck a cord as a parent. I have a 6 year old and I will practice the excercise with him, A much better way to prepare our children. Now just need to figure out how to keep all those necessary boundaries, with a what you can do versus what you can’t’ dialogue.
rebel brown
November 13, 2013 - 11:41 amAWESOME LYNN!!
One of the best gifts we can give kids is the knowing that they can and DO create their lives, based on what they focus on and the power of their minds.
You’re an amazing parent! I’ll be sharing some more specific techniques in the next few posts…I’d LOVE to hear your stories with your 6 year old. I have a non-profit for kids where I’m sharing these techniques. I fully believe we can change our world’s future by empowering our next generation!
Be Unstoppable out there!