Argue for your limitations or support your growth!
Which do you do consciously or unconsciously?
Which serves you better and empowers you more?
Where do you place your vital life force?
Arguing for limitations tends to hold you back while supporting your growth empowers you to reach your full potential. I think we would all agree that it is important to have a growth mindset that steers us away from any kind of limits.
Knowing this, why do we argue for our limitations so fiercely?
Arguing for our limitations is a common human tendency, and underlying it are several reasons. See if any resonate with you. I can see all of them resonating with a past version of myself!
One of the primary reasons we argue for our limitations is the comfort of familiarity. Staying within our comfort zone, even if it means accepting limitations, can feel safe and secure. Change and growth can be intimidating, so we resist them. The comfort zone can be a deadly danger zone, that slowly suffocates the passion and potential we have if we inhabit it for too long.
‘Why do you stay in prison when the door is wide open?’ — Rumi
Many people fear failure, they fear making mistakes or showing up as less than capable. They are worried about what others may say, or how they may be judged. By arguing for limitations, they avoid taking risks and potentially facing failure. This fear of failure can be paralyzing and lead to a fixed mindset. T Harv Eker states that ‘Every Master was once a disaster.’
We can also have a fear of success because if we succeed, it will mean changing our lives. It will mean having to do things differently. It will mean having to step out of our comfort zones.
Sometimes people argue for limitations because they seek validation from others. By presenting themselves as limited, they may even receive sympathy or support from those around them and this feeds their needs. However, a need for external validation keeps us small and tied to the usually worthless opinions of others!
Our self-image plays a significant role in how we perceive ourselves. Some people have a self-image that aligns with their limitations, and they may argue for them to maintain a consistent self-concept. Changing that self-image can be challenging. Identity is one of our strongest driving forces and we must work on expanding our concept of identity.
Individuals with low self-esteem may feel unworthy of success or personal growth. Arguing for limitations can be a way to avoid confronting these feelings of inadequacy. Low self-esteem stems from our low self-image and feeling unworthy of more.
Societal and cultural influences can reinforce the idea of limitations. People may be told from a young age what they can and cannot do based on their gender, race, or background. These beliefs can become deeply ingrained. Conditioning of any kind needs to be addressed to break through limits!
Some people may not even realize they are arguing for their limitations. They might genuinely believe that they are limited in certain areas, not recognizing the potential for growth and change. A lack of self-awareness is a killer. It is important to expand our horizons.
Negative thought patterns, such as cognitive biases, or habitual and familiar lines of thought can lead to arguing for limitations. For example, confirmation bias can cause people to seek out evidence that supports their limitations while ignoring evidence to the contrary. Negative and limiting thinking patterns keep us stuck.
Supporting your growth is always a more constructive and beneficial approach. Here’s why you should break through your own self-imposed barriers:
By focusing on growth, you tap into your untapped potential. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. This mindset encourages you to take on new challenges and expand your horizons. Therefore move into unleashing your potential.
Embracing growth means you develop resilience. Life is full of ups and downs, but with a growth-oriented mindset, you bounce back from setbacks more quickly. You view failures as stepping stones to success. Resilience is a key characteristic to have.
Growth is synonymous with continuous learning. When you prioritize growth, you seek out new knowledge, skills, and experiences. This lifelong learning not only keeps your mind sharp but also opens up new possibilities. Become a forever student.
Positivity and optimism are closely aligned with supporting growth and well-being. A positive mindset enhances your ability to overcome obstacles and stay motivated. Cultivate a positive outlook as part of your profile.
Achieving personal growth goals can lead to a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. It is a journey of self-discovery that often results in improved self-esteem and self-confidence giving a lot of personal satisfaction at our wins in life.
Your journey of growth can inspire and motivate others around you. As a mindfulness practitioner and life coach, your growth serves as an example for those you guide and support. I have realised that people are always watching us, so never underestimate the impact you have on others. As Jim Rohn says, we can either be examples or warnings and we can choose which to show up as.
Supporting yourself and your journey of growth is a beautiful path that leads to personal fulfilment, resilience, and a positive impact on yourself and those you have around you.
Arguing for limitations on the other hand is a self-limiting cycle. It reinforces the belief in those limitations and hinders personal growth and development.
Therefore, why argue for limitations when you can embrace the boundless possibilities of growth?
Let us learn to choose wisely and enjoy the process of expanding ourselves and becoming glowing examples of inspiration for others.
As a Life Design Consultant and Transformational Coach, my role is to help people break free from these limiting patterns of thought and behaviour, guiding them toward a mindset of growth and empowerment and much more fulfilling lives.