Imagine where we would be, as a species, if we let our thoughts limit our existence.

If our ancient ancestors had not considered the possibility of harnessing fire and putting it to use. If someone, thousands of years ago, had seen a rolling stone (not Mick Jagger, of course) and dismissed the thought that perhaps they could turn that observation into something useful. Where would we be without the wheel?

Sure, you can argue that someone else would have come up with the idea eventually.

Or would they have?

If it weren’t in our nature to think beyond the stuckness of the moment (yes, I made that word up), we would still be living with the status quo of life—long before the term ‘status quo’ had any meaning.

Fortunately, our nature is to imagine far beyond our earthly limitations. Our imagination is infinite. Limitless. It is this great power of imagination that put a man on the moon, a rover on Mars, and a thermos in your lunchbox that keeps hot things hot and cold things cold without having a switch to tell it which is which. Okay, I’m only half-joking on that last one; but seriously, a thermos was the greatest thing before sliced bread (in case you were wondering).

So, this is fantastic! Human beings have a tremendous imagination and the mind power to see things into realization. We’re great at these monumental, seemingly impossible tasks.

Where we often miss the mark is on the more intimate side of things. The more personal, home-grown aspects of our lives. Instead of seeing what is possible, we get caught up in the obstacles. We see only blockades impeding our way.

Have you ever said things like this to yourself:

I just can’t do it. 

Why do things like this always happen to me? 

All of the good ones are already taken.

These are just a few of the hundreds, if not thousands, of negative things we say to ourselves that actually limit our possibility. What are the negatives you support in your internal dialogue?

The truth is that you can live your life without limits! You are the only limiting factor. You get to call the shots.

Yes, of course, you can give me illustrations that might back up your story; however, I promise that there are plenty of examples that would also challenge its validity.

The difference between success and failure is most often found in the mind. The one who thinks they can triumph will come out on top far more frequently than the one who thinks they will fail.

Where is your mindset? Do you truly believe that you can live without limits, or is it only something to which you pay lip service?

I challenge you to observe your thoughts today. Look out for any “negative” speak. It could be as simple as “I can’t afford that” or as grand as “why would anyone love me”.

Notice the thought and then challenge its validity. Is it really, really true? Though I’m not a big advocate of doubting yourself, if you still think it’s true—doubt yourself.

Ask someone close to you for their opinion on the matter, and don’t go and pick the one person who supports your story. We’ve all got that one friend who will go along with whatever we say because they think it’s what we want to hear. A real friend will tell you the truth even when it hurts. They’ll call you out on your bullshit, and take a stand for who you are at your core.

Pick that friend.

Let me know what your negative thoughts are. Please share them in the comment section below. I promise, you won’t be alone.

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Author: Michael Neeley

Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: Caras Ionut at Pixoto