Before I begin, check out this 45 second video! As you watch this, ask yourself this question, “In my life, am I capable of handling more than I think?”
Thomas Edison said, “If we did all the things we are capable of doing we would truly astound ourselves.”
Throughout my life, I’ve gradually been discovering a few (ok…more than a few) “limiting beliefs.” Even though I grew up in a loving family and surrounded by great friends, I still made several disempowering agreements with myself about who I was and what I was capable of.
Here’s a quick sneak peak into my life. These are the 7 biggest lies, B.S. life-destroying and dream crushing beliefs that I no longer subscribe to:
- I’m not a good student
- I’m not as smart as everybody else
- I’m not worthy of true love
- I’m different and that’s a bad thing
- I don’t make a difference
- I’ve wasted so much of my life
- I’m not sure I’ll ever be happy
Two important facts:
- One B.S. belief can crush our spirit
- One empowering belief can help us achieve all of our dreams.
The world’s greatest men and women have created their success one day at a time. Most superstars are not overnight success stories. Most great artwork, buildings, communities, books, movies, relationships are all built piece by piece, page by page, brick by brick, etc.
Just like many of my private coaching clients that tell me that one phone call can make a difference in their lives, but after a year of speaking several times a month, their lives are completely transformed. Personal growth comes from a daily, weekly and monthly focus on becoming as my friend Matthew Kelly says, “The best version of ourselves.”
In reaching our goals in life, it’s important to take note of our current belief system and ask ourselves, “Is this belief serving me or hurting me?”
Think back to the guy in the video, I’m sure SOMEONE said, “NO WAY you can put 22 bricks on your head at one time!”
Remembering back to 2005, I told a few people I wanted to start a charity. Some of my friends were very supportive, while others (most) looked at me with a smirk that said, “Sure you are.” Then I told them that in order to show my commitment, I was going to run 53 consecutive miles with only 16 weeks of training (that’s two full marathons back to back) to show my commitment and raise money. I wrote a letter explaining this (PS. If you want to see a copy of the letter, just email letter@jonvroman.com and I’ll send you a copy).
The majority of people in my life doubted my ability and commitment. In fact, my physical therapist told me that trying to run that far with so little training would be (direct quote) – “impossible.” To make a long story short, I completed the run, started the charity (www.frontrowfoundation.org) which last year (2008) raised over $106,000.
(Jamie Baugher and myself after completing 53 miles on foot!)
Does anyone get tired just thinking about driving 53 miles?
The revelation in this experience for me is “ONE STEP AT A TIME!” That’s my approach to life. One book, one conversation, one compliment, one action, one person, one healthy meal, one day, one decision, one letter, one word, one look, one ANYTHING!
How would my life, and the lives of all those that Front Row Foundation has helped be different had I not asked the question, “How can I make a difference and what am I willing to do to get there?” Today, the foundation goes far beyond my beliefs and thoughts. There are thousands of people that know about, support and contribute to the foundation.
If I would have listened to many naysayers around me, my life would be drastically different today.
My mantra during the run was, “A day of pain is worth a lifetime of pride.”
Question to ponder: Are you living a life that if put on the front cover of the newspaper, you would be proud of?
What are your personal limiting believes? Which ones have you dealt with and which ones still exist? (PS. Now is a good time to stop reading this and make a quick list – remember we only change when we take action on something)
What have you missed out on because of these limiting thoughts? (again, make another quick list right now)
We often see people, places and things in their completed forms, but let’s not forget….
Tall buildings started with one idea, one brick, one person, one sketch at time.
Gorgeous paintings began with one concept, one brush stroke, one color at a time.
A baseball team winning the World Series began with one pitch, one hit and one run and even before that, one practice at a time.
Starting now, I challenge you to do two things:
- Pay attention to any limiting beliefs in you life, and once you recognize them, destroy them! Replace them with empowering beliefs that will serve you and others.
- Take steps towards your dreams everyday. People often underestimate what they can do in a lifetime because they fail to see the power of one day.
I invite you to keep in touch by joining my monthly newsletter at www.jonvroman.com
Authentically,
Jon Vroman
Speaker – Trainer – Author – Coach
PS. Please send inquires about private coaching with Jon Vroman to coaching@jonvroman.com
“Jon’s brilliant insight combined with his powerful coaching strategies help to create major breakthroughs.” Mara Berghoff
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