Last week, I told a client of mine he'll NEVER reach his potential.
Now, before you go naming me the world's worst Life Coach, hear me out.
Because...
If you are someone who (like my client) feels ashamed & frustrated for not reaching your potential, I'm offering you a new way of thinking about your potential and how to motivate yourself for moving towards it.
So my client tells me, ''I'm feeling frustrated that I'm not living up to my potential''.
I'm curious, so I ask him, ''What are you doing with this frustration''?
He paused.
''Well, I'm trying to use it to motivate me to change'', he shared.
''And how's that working for you''? I questioned gently.
My client smiled a little bit, chuckled to himself before saying, ''Err, not too well''.
I smiled back at him.
''May I offer a different way of looking at your situation''?
He nodded.
This is what I told him...
''You will never reach your potential. Because your potential expands and grows as YOU expand and grow. The moment you get closer towards your current potential, your potential becomes greater. Your potential is playful, like an elusive dance partner. You step forward, she steps forward. It's a game''.
My Client's eyes were wide and shining with excitement.
''Wow, I've never thought of it that way. I've always been so serious about reaching my potential so realising it's a game feels... better''.
I continued...
''You are already enough. I know when we're frustrated with ourselves our thoughts can convince us we're not enough right now. You were born enough, moving towards your potential and having, being, and doing more will not make you more enough. Remember that''.
I then shared with him a powerful distinction when it comes to motivating ourselves.
It comes from Steve Chandler's Book 'Crazy Good'. The distinction is - Game vs Shame.
Most people use shame to try and motivate themselves to change. They get frustrated with themselves. They ruminate about how bad things are. They beat themselves up in their heads, with the hope that if they can just shame themselves enough, maybe it'll be enough to change.
This rarely works.
Instead of using shame to motivate yourself - create Games.
Games are fun. Games are playful, and light.
Look at children, they can turn anything into a game!
My client & I agreed to make moving towards his potential FUN.
To drop the shame, and create games. To make personal challenges that have him outside of his comfort zone and taking action. To use rewards to encourage positive changes.
And it's working!
He's moving towards his potential quicker and easier whilst experiencing more fun and freedom.
Some questions for you think about:
If you enjoyed this and want more inspiration & tools to think better, feel better, and live better - then here is what you can do right now...
1. Visit the shop & download an E book version of my book, Becoming Unstuck: your simple step by step guide to taking charge of your life, by clicking here
(Hint: Use Coupon code BLOG to save 50% off my book and all other products).
2. Take my Free 5-Day Combat Limited Thoughts Challenge by clicking here
3. Learn more about my services or book a Free Strategy call by clicking here
P.S
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