Let’s get something straight. All limitations that are within your control are self-imposed. While that may be brutal to hear, it’s true. Self-imposed limitations are the stories we tell ourselves why “we can’t”. These stories are dangerous because they lead us to believe that the entirety of our life is out of our control. Which is a lie.

So how can you quickly and effectively overcome self-imposed limitations? Here are 4 simple but surefire tips that really work.

Create an Audacious Vision

See yourself as if it’s already happened and then create the actions needed everyday to get there.

None of us strive to be average. We strive for our envisioned self-defined greatness. Having a vision requires action. So if you aren’t willing to take the action, then you’re settling for average at best. When you lack vision, you lack direction in your life. With no direction, you limit yourself to external sources and opinions that in reality, should not be influencing your decisions. Having a vision means seeing yourself as if you are already there. It’s called living into an envisioned future. See yourself as if it’s already happened and then create the actions needed everyday to get there.

The Time Is Now

Self-imposed limitations are the stories we tell ourselves why “we can’t”.

When I was in college my professors used to give the class huge projects at the beginning of the semester without giving a concrete due date. No one had any motivation to start it immediately. Half way through the semester the professor would give a due date and you saw the procrastination turn into focus. And a bit of panic for some! Overcoming limitations can be done by realizing that life is short and every minute counts. When you maximize your day, you put yourself in the habit of reaching for your full potential, which happens to be far outside of your perceived limitations.

Fail Quicker

Mistakes are the most feared yet beneficial teacher. You would never have learned how to ride a big if you focused on falling. Welcome mistakes. Get comfortable with failures and setbacks because they will be the reason you get to where you want to be. The key is not being afraid to fail. So don’t put it off. The quicker you fail. The quicker you will be on your way.

Work Harder

Hard work is simply the faith that you will win.

Hard work is simply the faith that you will win. It is the unwavering belief that whatever obstacle is in your way doesn’t have a chance against your determination and will. Remember, your limitations are always weaker than your hard work. Stay focused and consistent with your efforts and don’t feed into negative feelings and emotions that are out of integrity with your goal.