WHAT HOLDS YOU BACK?

DISTRACTIONS

It’s so easy to be distracted by others, by other issues, by other events and by other priorities when trying to move forward to reach a goal whether this is in our professional role, in our business venture or in our personal lives.

THE INNER CRITIC

One of the biggest distractions to reaching a goal for many of the clients I coach is often their inner critic. And this is true for many of us – it is the one thing that holds us back:

· We compare how we are to others.

· We tell ourselves we are not good enough.

· We question ourselves as to the worth in trying something new.

· We hesitate to accept that opportunity that comes our way, asking ourselves, why me, what can I bring, isn’t there someone better?

· We ask ourselves if we are ready for that promotion, change in role or new career.

· And, if obstacles are placed in our way, then this is a good excuse to put off what we really want (easier this way).

WHAT OTHERS THINK

However, along with our inner critic, it is often our thoughts about others that prevents us from moving forwards. We sometimes hesitate before taking action or the next step out of fear of how we will be perceived or how our actions will be perceived. What will others think? What are others doing? Am I on the same lines as others?

This made me reflect on not only how many times a day we put off doing something because of our inner critic, but how often we consider the opinions of others when deciding or contemplating something or when taking the steps necessary when working towards our vision.

How often do we ask ourselves: If I do this, then what will others think of me? What are others doing and should I be doing the same?

STAY FOCUSED

I listened to someone speak about their success recently who described how they never thought of others in their journey towards their goal (I do not mean in a callous non caring way) but that they put their inner critic to one side, did not think about how others might perceive them (or their actions) and just persevered, never got distracted and lost focus, and just took the steps they needed to make a success at what they loved doing and ultimately reach their goal.

COULD YOU TRY? I WILL!

What if you ignored your inner critic and stopped thinking about others before taking action and instead solely focused on getting to your goal, would you achieve more? Would you achieve more quickly? I know I would.

So, I will try to identify those times when I think of others’ perceptions of me when taking steps or striving towards a goal in future and see if I can put these thoughts to one side and see if it makes a difference. I don’t think it will be easy. My brain will definitely need training! And it will take me out of my comfort zone. But I'm going to give it a try. How about you?

What else holds you back? Send me your comments. I'd be really interested to know.