“I couldn’t do something like that!”
When you talk to people about extended cycle tours, you hear that sort of thing a lot. It’s the kind of focused place where folks tend to argue for their limitations.
But there are lots of situations in which people seem defeated before they begin. So many folks are absolutely certain they can’t do it, whatever “it” happens to be. Of course there’s no evidence for this conviction, because they never even tried. So how does this conviction develop?
You and I get more inputs from more sources than any time in history.
All sorts of folks have opportunity to shape us, tell us who we are. Some are close, people we know, standing right next to us. Some are online, some are celebrities we’ve never met, voices who don’t even know we’re listening. They’re out there, a clutter of chatter of conflicting influences competing for attention.
They’re eager to define what we can be, do, become. And as long as we’re passive consumers, we’re easy prey.
It’s awfully easy to say Ignore them, tune it all out, don’t listen. But we know better, right? Truth is, we’re going to get inputs from others. It’s a fact of life.
Best we can do, I suppose, is be aware and choose wisely. Choose who gets to speak into our lives. It’s probably one area in which it’s okay to be exclusive and make sure not everyone gets into that circle.
Imagine this select group offering input, encouragement, guidance to help you shape your goals and dreams. They’ll have a big impact on the challenges you take on, the fears you’ll face.
It’s your life. You can tell them what you need. You get to tell them what’s most helpful.
Give good instructions.