A reason you can’t? Or your advantage? You decide.

How many times do we decide we can’t do something before we even try? If you’re like me, far too many. In fact, I think one of the bravest things we do sometimes is just take the chance and try.

Why is that? It comes down to something that we refer to as limiting beliefs. Something that we believe about ourselves is preventing us from moving forward or even trying something.

Those beliefs are very real, and they work just as reliably as your trusty thermostat to keep setting you right back to where they think you should be. And, while those beliefs are just decisions we’ve made at some point in the past, that doesn’t make them any less real, or even pervasive when it comes to impacting what we can accomplish now.

Over time, you can see a pattern for these across all of us. No one is exempt. We all have something that, at some point, we believed about ourselves so strongly that we allowed it to control our choices. The key is to first be aware that they exist. And then, develop the skill of recognizing when they start to surface.

They often first appear as that voice in our heads that sounds like it is protecting us when it is, in fact preventing us. Even if that part of our brain means well, we need to regain control over our choices.

What I have learned is that when we fail to make our best choices it is usually not because we can’t make a good decision, but because we start with the wrong options, or at least an incomplete list. That’s why limiting beliefs are such an important topic to get out into the open.

But just how can we do that? Some advice is to challenge them by asking if they are true.

But I’ve found the best way to challenge limiting beliefs is to use this question:

What if that is your advantage?

Here are ten common limiting beliefs we must confront and how the question "What if that is your advantage?" could be used to reframe them.

1.      "I'm too old to start something new."

o   Reframing Question: What if your age and experience are your advantage?

o   Reframe: Your age brings a wealth of experience, wisdom, and perspective. You can leverage this to make more informed decisions, anticipate challenges, and mentor others.

2.      "I don't have enough time."

o   Reframing Question: What if having limited time is your advantage?

o   Reframe: Limited time can force you to prioritize effectively, focus on what truly matters, and eliminate distractions, leading to more impactful and efficient work.

3.      "I’ve failed so many times in the past."

o   Reframing Question: What if your past failures are your advantage?

o   Reframe: Your past failures have provided you with valuable lessons, resilience, and a better understanding of what doesn't work and why. This knowledge can guide you to make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

4.      "I’m not creative enough to succeed in this field."

o   Reframing Question: What if your analytical mind is your advantage?

o   Reframe: Being more analytical than creative can help you identify patterns, solve problems with logical solutions, and bring a methodical approach to creativity, leading to innovations that are both imaginative and practical.

5.      "I don’t have a strong enough network to get ahead."

o   Reframing Question: What if having a smaller network is your advantage?

o   Reframe: A smaller network allows you to cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections. These relationships can often be more supportive and valuable in the long term than a wide but shallow network.

6.      "I’m not skilled enough in technology to succeed in today’s world."

o   Reframing Question: What if your lack of tech skills is your advantage?

o   Reframe: Not being overly reliant on technology might push you to focus on human-centered skills like empathy, communication, and adaptability. It can also drive you to seek out collaborative opportunities with tech-savvy individuals, leading to valuable partnerships.

7.      "I lack confidence in my abilities."

o   Reframing Question: What if your self-doubt is your advantage?

o   Reframe: A certain level of self-doubt can keep you humble, open to feedback, and driven to continuously improve. It can also make you more empathetic and understanding of others' struggles.

8.      "I’m not physically fit enough to achieve my goals."

o   Reframing Question: What if your physical state is your advantage?

o   Reframe: Your awareness of your physical limitations can motivate you to find creative ways to work around them, focus on your strengths, and develop a unique approach that others might not consider and inspire others to do the same.

9.      "I’m not financially stable enough to take risks."

o   Reframing Question: What if your financial situation is your advantage?

o   Reframe: Limited financial resources can drive you to be more resourceful and strategic in your decisions. It can also lead to more creative solutions and partnerships that might not have been considered if more funds were readily available.

10. "I don’t have enough experience to be successful in this field."

o   Reframing Question: What if your lack of experience is your advantage?

o   Reframe: Coming into a field with fresh eyes allows you to question assumptions and bring new ideas that industry veterans might overlook. Your beginner's mindset can lead to innovative approaches and a willingness to learn and adapt quickly.

Which of these resonated with you? I can tell you that I have personally experienced every one of them at some point in my life and often, more than one at a time. The voices were more like a chorus singing in my head. But that reframing question can turn every one of those voices around if we allow it.

Sometimes the only permission we need to move forward is our own and we have to get past that internal voice that is saying no to get to the YES that we desire and deserve!

Instead of Ready Set No – we can start saying Ready Set Yes!

Let’s go!