Most of the limits we run into in life are ones that we place on ourselves.
We become so sure about how the world works that we never stop to ask if we’re wrong. What if there’s an alternative to how we see things that might reshape what we believe is possible?
Instead of living the lives we want, we end up doing what we think we should. Dr. Carol Dweck’s research on neuroplasticity showed us that we can rewire our brains with practice. That means we can act our way into new ways of thinking. We have the power to change our own beliefs—the stories we tell ourselves about what we can and can’t do.
Think about that for a second. Seriously… what would you do differently with your life if you thought it was realistic?
The Unobstructed Podcast: Episode 23
In our latest episode of the Unobstructed Podcast, we dive into the power of overcoming the limits you give yourself and the idea of embracing the “why not?” mindset.
When Rachael asked me, “what’s one thing you wish you could do but probably never will?”, the answer popped into my head faster than I’d expected.
It brought me back to a moment where I remember watching a VHS tape of the Rolling Stones with my grandfather. Dave Matthews was the opening act. This was in the 90s, so he hadn’t risen to Dave Matthews Band cult-following status yet.
For whatever reason, I idolized Keith Richards. I mean, he’s the lead guitarist of one of the most prominent rock bands of all time, so I guess it makes sense. I even carried around a toy guitar like a security blanket in pre-school. So, that’s what I thought of when I told Rachael I wished I could play music to a sold-out stadium, but knew that I never will. You umm… well, you have to know how to play music to do that. And, the thing is, I stopped doing that around middle school.
We actually chatted about a specific incident that all but slammed that door shut and the story that shaped what I accepted for myself. But, like anything, those aspirations evolved over time and turned into other pursuits—ones that challenged my boundaries and helped me embrace new opportunities.
It’s like Rachael says during our conversation, “I think it’s what made me an entrepreneur. Because if somebody else can do it, then why can’t I?” As mentioned during the episode, Call Her Daddy host, Alex Cooper, shares a story about this on Armchair Expert. So does Ben Nemtin of The Buried Life.
Rachael and I chat more in depth about the role of “why not” and how it helps shift the story you accept for yourself in the episode above. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
onward.
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