Limitless

Have you ever wondered what you are capable of? Did you ever think about achieving something great? I bet you have. I know I have many times in my life. Whether it was an inspirational story about how someone achieved an amazing feat or the lyrics of a song made me believe I could achieve something greater. Consequently, I would say to myself, 'I can do this! I know I can!'

But something happened. Actually, more like nothing happened. Something stopped me, made me abandon my pursuit.

I got scared. I feared the unknown. It would mean pushing myself to new levels. But there was more. Not only was there personal fear, but the limiting responses and views of other people added to inhibition. Not only did I question my own abilities, but I felt others did as well.

So many times in my life have I been sparked to reach new heights. I felt limitless in terms of my capabilities and what I could achieve. Whether it was aspiring to be a world-class athlete or a top-notch student affairs professional. But there was always that self-doubt or that fear of failure waiting to show its ugly side. This fear ultimately overcame me, putting a glass ceiling on what I felt I could do, always leaving my aspirations on the outside of the glass, with me looking at them from the inside. I crumbled, fell victim to my fear and self-doubt and gave in. Usually I tried to make myself feel 'better' by saying that it was silly of me to think I could do that, or that I didn't have the time to really make it happen, and the list of excuses would go on.

Sadly, this is so true for many of us. We simply move along, within the comfort zone of what we know we can do, because we are doing it, but fearing to take any risks to be better or the best at something, while regrets fill our souls as dreams pass us by.

Fortunately it doesn't have to be this way. If we all lived like this, there would be no innovation, no pushing the bar higher. Take a look at Steve Jobs, Usain Bolt and Bono. All of them seen the glass ceiling. But they persevered. Not only did they break through it, they obliterated this self-imposed boundary. How did they do it?

They were ferociously passionate and completely committed to their dream. Whether it was making the iPod, shattering world records on the track or redefining pop music - they never strayed from their dream or their goals. They never let those who can't see past their own self-imposed limit stop them from going for it.

Commitment meant taking criticism and holding it at bay. Yes, sometimes criticism can help you shape your progress in order to be more successful, but most times, it is someone else projecting their fears and their limits onto you. Don't let some other person's fear or doubt limit you. Stay limitless. Dream big, achieve greatness.

Devote yourself to your aspiration. Make it your primary focus. Dedicate all the time you can to making it a reality. Believe in your abilities and your potential to be the next big thing. Overcome your fear and break the barriers.

You might be the next Gandhi, but you'll never know if you don't go for it. Be strong, be limitless!

J.M. "Welly" Maw

Good Book = Good Leadership = Good Life

Robin Sharma - keep doing what you are doing! If you want a good book full of quick messages that make your mind spin, your ideas flow and your dreams abound - pick up The Greatness Guide by success coach Robin Sharma!

Most people I talk to, who are serious about developing their leadership and their life success, have read "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari". Great title. Phenomenal book. The Greatness Guide gives the reader 101 pieces of advice, which are usually only 1 - 2 pages in length, that hit home in a hurry. When I first saw this book, I thought to myself, "Robin Sharma... I should give this book a try... I enjoyed his other book," and with that I found myself looking for every opportunity to read it. Whether you have 5 minutes or 2 hours, this book fits into your schedule perfectly. If you want a book that will make a quick impact in your life, this is it! Read it and reap the rewards. You won't be sorry... and if you want more, there's "The Greatness Guide 2" waiting afterward.

Just a thought... if more leaders in this world followed a few of Robin's points, the world would be in a much better place than it is today. Think about these chapter titles... Drink Coffee with Gandhi... Listen Twice As Much As You Speak... Grow Leaders Fast... Lead Without Title... Learn More To Earn More... and the list goes on and on. Robin Sharma, a "world class" author.

Let me know what your thoughts are on this book, or any other book on self-actualization, leadership, etc.

Jan-Michael "Welly" Maw

For more on Robin Sharma, click here!