Go for it......you can do it

What are you stopping yourself from achieving?

Last weekend I took part in a 10k run, it was a gorgeous sunny day although extremely cold with temperatures of -1.

I woke up at 6am and was at the venue by 7.30am, a slight shock to the system but it was worth it. I couldn’t wait to get started, the adrenalin kicked in from the moment I arrived. It was mixed together with nerves, anticipation and excitement.

I felt elated once I crossed the finish line. I had done it in 59 minutes, a personal best. I was proud of what I had achieved, even on the cold winter mornings when I could have stayed in bed, I got up determined to push myself. The sacrifice of leaving my cosy bed had paid off.

That same day, it got me thinking about my school days. I never perceived myself good at any type of sport, especially running. I would always put myself at the back of the cross country runs, never pushing myself to do well. So of course I didn’t. I always felt it was the teacher’s fault for not encouraging me but really I had already decided in my mind that this wasn't going to be something I was good at. So I concentrated on other subjects.

Twenty years later, it's a different story. Running has become one of my great passions. I get such a buzz from it. I feel clear headed afterwards, my creativity starts to flow and I feel on top of the world. And most importantly of all, it doesn’t cost a thing.

The difference between then and now is the belief I have changed about myself. Once I saw it as a natural ability of mine, I have never looked back and keep exceeding my own expectations.

So, what beliefs do you have about yourself? Where did they come from? Perhaps from your childhood or school days. What are you stopping yourself from achieving?

Here’s an exercise for you, observe your language over the coming days. Catch yourself saying ‘I am no good at..... I can’t do....I am rubbish at’. Explore where this belief has come from and change it immediately into a positive one.

Once you have a new positive belief about yourself, truly believe it. Think of lots of examples to back up that belief. Don't let the old thought patterns come creeping back.

And who knows... you might even exceed your own expectations!