You think you’re doing pretty well. You got that promotion, you’re in a happy relationship, and life is pretty swell. But there’s always room for improvement, right? Start a search today to learn everything you need to know to be your best.
While it’s important to acknowledge your achievements and enjoy your successes, it’s also crucial to be aware of the common hurdles that can impede further progress. Here are a few things that may be keeping you from reaching your full potential.
You’re Scared
Every single person has it in them to be the best at anything they can dream of. (“Best” meaning personal best — there can only be one Beyoncé.) A lot of what is holding most people back from being the best they can be is fear. You’re scared to try new things, scared of failing, scared of embarrassing yourself. But what you need to remember is that everyone starts somewhere and you won’t know until you try.
Don’t let fear get in the way of pursuing something that you are interested in, especially if you think you might have a real chance at it. No one is going to judge you for trying, but they will judge you for talking about “What Could Have Been.”
You’re Aiming Too Low
Sometimes people aim too high and get disappointed, but other times people aim way too low and don’t reach their full potential. Aiming low means always taking the safe choice, the easy route, going with expectation. It’s easy to think you’re the “best” at something simple, but if you don’t really care about it, you’ll never be anywhere near the best and everyone will see right through you.
Being the best at something requires a certain level of passion and if you don’t aim high enough you’re never gonna feel it. Make sure you’re aiming for something you actually think is difficult and then maybe you’ll care enough about it to put in the required energy to actually be your best.
You’re Close-Minded
The best type of anything is someone who is open to new ideas, new angles, new styles, and new techniques. If you’re stuck in a certain job or place, there may not be room for you to really expand yourself and be the best you can be, but if you’re open to exploring new opportunities you will more than likely find a place where you can really shine. Free your mind (cue En Vogue), allow yourself to go off the beaten path and find what really works for you.
You’re in Here (Get Out There)
After you’ve had the chance to free your mind, make sure you actually get out into the world to discover the endless opportunities that are out there waiting for you. Limiting yourself to a small circle of comfortable friends, experiences and opportunities is seriously going to limit the chances that you’re in the right place for you to really be at your best. Visit new places, meet new people, remove yourself from your comfort zone and find who, what, when, and where makes you your best.
You’re Stuck in a Routine
Never deviating from the same old day-to-day routine of life is a surefire way to burn you out instead of bringing you to your best. Having a routine in your life is great, but even if your routine is what brings you to your best, once you get there, you’re gonna peak and need to change things up. Having a few fundamental daily goals or activities is good, but you need to remain flexible and change things up every once and a while if you really want to reach the top.
You Lack Commitment
If you’re going to be your best you need to figure out what you think you need to do to get you there, make a plan and stick to it. Being your best takes a lot of commitment and it’s not going to happen over night. People who are truly at their best spent a long time getting there and if you want to be anywhere near them you need to put in the time.
Accepting Status Quo
Just because you or your life are a certain way doesn’t mean either of you have to stay that way. Accepting the status quo is not going to get you anywhere near your best. Being the best doesn’t come easy but it’s not impossible either. Accepting things the way they are and not taking any accountability for your life can really get in the way of your achievements. Take control of your own destiny and realize that you have huge potential. There’s a spot at the top for the taking and you can be the one to grab it.