If you’re a Success without Shackles subscriber (and if you’re not, what are you waiting for? Sign up in the box on the right!), you know I’m an extreme sports junkie and serious recreational athlete.
Whether I’m skiing, backpacking, mountain biking or whitewater kayaking, I’m often pushing the limits of my abilities and fitness. Not to mention my ability to keep my head together.
I’m regularly amazed at the difference between what I think I can do, and what I can actually do. This has become even more apparent since I started doing Crossfit a few months ago.
Crossfit is an amazing cross-training workout that uses everything from kettle bells to tractor tires and a good bit of barbell work to get you in shape. The best part is the workout changes dramatically every day.
One day might be a long, slow 30 minute workout. Another day might be what I call a “6 minutes to puking” workout involving loads of reps in a really short amount of time.
Now, I’ve never really lifted weights or done most of these exercises. So on more than one day I’ve looked at the proposed workout and thought “There is no way I can do that!”
The incredible thing is I’ve managed to complete them all. Who knew a little thing like me could lift 55 pounds overhead 35 times, plus do 35 burpees (crazy, whole body to the floor followed by jumping pushups) in 7 minutes?!?!
I sure didn’t until I did it. And I still wouldn’t know—and I’d be holding myself back—if I had never tried. Sure I might be sore and tired after, but the sense of accomplishment and feelings of mental and physical strength are worth it.
Okay, so what’s this got to do with growing your business?
Let me ask you a question…
When was the last time you really pushed your own boundaries, stepped out of your comfort zone, and found your limit? We’ve become a culture of convenience and comfort, so chances are the answer is “not recently” unless you’re an athlete.
The problem is, all too often we assume we can’t do this or that—especially when it comes to marketing and growing a business—without really knowing what we can truly do.
My clients regularly say things like “Oh, I could never come up with enough content for a blog or newsletter.” Or, “I don’t have time to call my new clients or patients and follow up.” Or, “I could never create videos…Or speak in public…Or sell my knowledge as a consultant.”
Or my favorite… “I could never ask for that kind of money.” This one usually from clients on the verge of going out of business because they aren’t making enough to survive.
Remember, if you think you can’t…You’re right!
The reality is, you’re capable of a whole lot more than you realize. And the only way to find out what you can do is to go for it. Try to find your actual limit, instead of the one you’ve imposed on yourself for no good reason.
If you don’t, you’re discounting your abilities and holding back your business growth.
Are you a boundary pusher? What do you think of this article, and the power of finding your personal limits?
Good article, thanks for the pep talk. It came at the right time.
You’re very welcome Don. We all need to be reminded of how much we’re truly capable of. Thanks for letting me know it was worthwhile.
Warmest,
Stacy