Overcoming Physical Limitations with Mental Beliefs

In the world we live in, there are a lot of limitations that try to pin us down and restrict us from achieving the kind of success we're aiming for. This could range from emotional, mental, intellectual, circumstantial, physical, and environmental limitations. Fortunately, there are a number of ways on how to overcome these limitations. As long as you have the desire to do so, it is believed that the impossible will become possible.

Though, one of the challenges that most people often face is that, there are several factors that can rob the desire to attain one's goal in life. This is often referred to as the 'theft of motivation.' However, if the desire is too strong, then this kind of barrier won't even matter at all.

Without further ado, here are some ways on overcoming physical limitations with mental beliefs.

Strategy 1: Tweak Your Standards
The first step in overcoming physical limitations with mental beliefs is to adjust your standards and how you compare yourself with others. It's never advisable to look at your peer group when you're trying to determine what your standards will be. Instead, look for people who actually excel in what they do.

For instance, if the best runner in your group is capable of doing a 4-hour marathon and everyone believes that this guy is the “runner,” do you think that by looking up at him, you can be better than him? Well, there's a slight possibility, but it's not always the case.

Instead of focusing on that person alone and trying to compete with him, you should look elsewhere for guidance and inspiration. Why not take the Boston Marathon? There are more than 20,000 people being qualified each year and you should try to be a part of that group. Then, after accomplishing that, set your standards higher.

The key is, aim higher!

Strategy 2: Rejection Is Not That Bad
Oftentimes, rejection can make us feel that we're not good enough, and someone is better than us, because of the criticisms you get either from someone else or yourself. Instead of letting these criticisms negatively affect you, learn how you can improve it in order to succeed. Once you have developed a technique, you can start working on those areas and give it a try once again.

Keep on learning and growing if you want to succeed.

For instance, if you submitted an article and got a rejection email, stating that your writing skills are sub par; don't let this drag you down. You're not an incompetent writer, but a little improvement won't hurt either. Don't give up. Instead, submit another article again.

However, before you do, better learn from the criticism and come back with something far better than what you've previously made. Try to learn all you can about writing professionally and with some practice and perseverance, you'll eventually become one of the best writers.

Rejection is a part of life and it's inevitable. Just learn from it.

Strategy 3: Employ Trickery
When a person is trying to overcome his physical limitations, there are some forms of trickery that can actually help.

For instance, if you're a body builder and you feel that it's impossible for you to lift a 200 kg plate using 20 Kg plates, then try to place a “random” assortment of 12, 7, and 5 kg plates on the bar. You'll eventually lose track of the weight being used through this method. So, once you get to 200 kg, you'll be surprised that you managed to lift it with ease.

Sometimes, our mind plays tricks on us, but it doesn't mean that we can't come up of a way to 'outsmart' it.

Strategy 4: Don't Let Your Fears Stop You
Fear holds a lot of people back in life. There's fear of the unknown, fear of the outcome, fear of failing, fear of not being good enough, and the list goes on. Fear is like a set of building blocks, you can easily pile one fear on top of the other, until it finally locks you in.

Little did you know, fear usually originates from our own beliefs that came from experience and feedback we get from family and friends. For example, if you had a negative experience with something, then you'll have the fear of experiencing that feeling once again. Once that happens, you'll do anything just to avoid it.

If you want to overcome your physical limitations, it's important to remove these limiting beliefs and move out of your fear. This can be done through the help of positive affirmations about yourself. Aside from that, you can also surround yourself with people who believe in you and will support you all the way.

Strategy 5: You Become Who You Hang Around
As much as possible, try to surround yourself with people who are better than you. Likewise, surround yourself with people who have more dedication and work harder than you. If you're always surrounded by this kind of folks, you'll be inspired to become better than who you really are.

On the other hand, if you'll surround yourself with people who you are better than, then you won't even be motivated to strive harder. You'll set lower goals for yourself, making you limited in the end. You'll never get the biggest fish in the smallest pond, no matter what.

However, if you'll look for people who challenge you, motivate you, and help you become a better person, you'll continually be inspired and more focused on achieving your goals.

Strategy 6: Inability
There are instances where we know that we don't have the ability to do something, and there are also cases wherein we tried, but ended up failing. For example, if you've never tried swimming before, then taking a challenge of swimming across the lake may seem very impossible for you. However, if you know how to swim and have tried doing this before and ended up failing, you may just think that you can't do it.

Inability is something everyone can push past. With enough effort and determination, it's possible to learn almost anything you set your mind to. All you have to do is start learning and practice 'till you perfect your craft.

For example, you can take swimming lessons, and it doesn't matter if you start with an absolute beginner class. Eventually, you'll level up and you'll start doing what you were incapable of before.

Strategy 7: Start Small and Keep Going
Never let your comfort zone hold you back from reaching your goals and experiencing success. The more you push, the larger you can be. Soon, you'll be surprised that your dreams are slowly turning into reality because you've taken the risks.