After many years of working closely with people, I have observed that the vast majority, if not all, of us live in a ‘box’. Now, of course the box I am referring to is the self-imposed and self-designed set of values, beliefs, ideas and opinions that control who we are and what we do on a daily basis.
How often have you heard someone say; I don’t like… I’m not that sort of person… I don’t believe… I can’t… I won’t… That’s not for me… I never have… I never will…Maybe you find yourself saying these things too.
Our ‘box’ is created by our experiences, upbringing, education, past failures and successes and beliefs. Whilst it’s important to learn from all that has been, you shouldn’t let it stop what could be.
Let me put it this way; if you asked a small child whether they could play the violin they would probably respond with: ‘I don’t know… I haven’t tried yet.’ But if I was to ask you I’m sure you’d answer with a definite ‘NO’ even if you’ve never tried.
The reason for this is that the child hasn’t created a box for him/herself to be confined in – yet. They don’t doubt their abilities and opportunities and are therefore very curious, adventurous and inquisitive.
This allows a child to learn and mentally grow at a rate that an adult could only envy. But once we put a box around ourselves, we are happy to grind to a halt and let opportunities to learn, grow and achieve gently slip by because they don’t ‘fit into our box’.
Well folks, you gotta either get a bigger box or break it open completely.
The most successful and healthy people I know have all busted out of their box at some stage, accepted new opportunities and challenges and then created the amazing health and lifestyle that they had always dreamed of.
I know it’s not easy to grasp change in your life so how about, as a start, you at least install some windows into your box so you can look outside at the opportunities that are on offer for when you decide to open the lid.