Very often, we get in our own way and stop ourselves
from succeeding. Some of the ways in which we trip
ourselves are…
BARRIER 1 – EGO
It is one of the biggest barriers that we put up. We are too proud to ask for help or admit to a mistake. At times, instead of being clinical and scientific about our professions, we get too emotionally involved. So when we are hurt professionals, it sets off a chain reaction and we get vengeful. This distracts us from progressing and forces us to waste time, talent and energy.
BARRIER 2 – FEAR OF FAILURE
As children, we have been conditioned to fear failure. Failure, we were told, limits us and makes others laugh at us. As adults, we are afraid of trying out things as we’re afraid of failing. Risk taking is an art and calculated risk taking is a science – develop it. Besides, without some amount of risk, we cannot progress.
BARRIER 3 – AFRAID TO DREAM
So when we do dream, we dream small. But we should dream big. Why limit our dreams, they are free, right? Spend time dreaming and see huge achievements. Don’t see pitfalls and negatives and ‘why nots’. Dream big, successful dreams. Visualise them in colour, imagine yourself writing your autobiography or your ‘rags to riches tale’, giving talks on television on how you made it…It may be a nice idea to be consistent regarding the content of your dream… like being a TV star, or a business tycoon, or a world class sportsperson. So that once your dreams are in place, you can start working purposefully towards fulfilling them.
BARRIER 4 – UNFOCUSED EFFORTS
Just like our dreams should be consistent and focused, so should our efforts. A im in one direction with all your energy. We tend to allow ourselves to be distracted by many activities. Feelings of ill-will, revenge, holding grudges and hate are a few distracting elements. They take us backward or away from our goals.
BARRIER 5 - DE- MOTIVATED
We need to keep on motivating ourselves, especially if and when we face failure. Choose the company we keep and surround ourselves with optimistic people and those who believe in us.
BARRIER 6 – LACK RESPECT OR VALUE FOR OUR TIME
Professionals calculate their earnings down to the minute and charge by the hour. When we waste time gossiping about neighbours, grumbling about politicians and our organisations, we disclose that we don’t value our own time. If we don’t value our time, why will anyone want to pay us for it…?
BARRIER 7 – THE COMFORT ZONE
We get so comfortable with people we know, the places we frequent and food we eat etc. that we do not want to move out. We resist change, new ideas and concepts. We know that we are not doing as well as we should, but are too afraid to step out into the ‘big bad world’. We remain cloistered. We, thus, limit our network (connections) and career possibilities. Go on, step out even if it is for a short breather and meet people. Let’s not get complacent but make the effort to learn new skills, increase our knowledge and be willing to take on challenges.
BARRIER 8 – INHIBITIONS
We put up barriers like “A woman is not supposed to do this”, “I’m married now”, “This is not my age to do these things” and more… These inhibitions created by society, family or ourselves need to be challenged and shed. There is always a first time.
BARRIER 9 – LACK OF SELF CONFIDENCE
Lack of it is the biggest boulder in our paths. We put on a facade of confidence, but deep down we may be afraid. Self confidence comes from an absolute belief in oneself and one’s capabilities. We know we can make mistakes but we know even if we do, we will be able to climb out of it and keep going…
New beginnings...
We and our thoughts actually stand in the way of our own progress. Let’s open our minds and eliminate certain behavioural patterns that block our paths. Success will then be ours…n
