Argue for Your Limitations

Affirmations can be misused - here are three processes that we may be misusing that have us giving our brains  the wrong messages. In an earlier blog we used Richard Bach’s commentary and it is also appropriate here:     

“Argue for your limitations and surely they become yours”

Richard Bach

Jonathan Living Seagull 

The First Process we use is Self -Talk 

Self-talk consists of messages that we give ourselves that describe who we are, what we are doing, and how we are doing it. I can’t speak to a group of people - make a speech. I’ve never been good at Math. I’m just a teacher. I would like to draw like that, but I’m not creative. No one in my family was ever smart enough in school to go to college.

Remember that your brain believes everything you tell it about yourself.

The Second Process we use is Agreeing with what Other People Say About Us

This is when you listen to and accept how other people describe who you are and what you do. This is especially strong if it is spoken by an adult who plays a significant role in one’s life. My coach says I’m too clumsy and he must be right - he’s a coach. I would do that, but the boss won’t let me. I would like to be an artist - but my third grade told me I don’t have any talent. Our family has never been lucky – lucky people get all the breaks. Our high school teams have never had a winning season; so what can we expect?         

If you allow other people to set limitations for you, those limitations will become yours.

The Third Process is Wisdom Sayings

“Wisdom sayings” have been repeated so many times that we believe that they are true. Big boys don’t cry. Talent is inherited – if you don’t have it, you just don’t have it. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Girls aren’t supposed to compete – it’s not lady-like. 

If you accept them; they become part of you.

Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better. 

Emile Coue