Did you see that news story this week about the raccoon in Minnesota that
climbed a 25-story building? He was first found resting on a ledge 20 feet above ground level, at which point he was retrieved safely and brought back to the ground. The raccoon then proceeded to climb another skyscraper that was even taller than the first. Sure, most of us have probably seen raccoons climb trees—but skyscrapers? One would think the raccoon would’ve known better.
It’s safe to assume that this raccoon did not know his own limitations—but what are our limitations based on? In my mind, they’re based on our biases and what we believe we can or can’t do. Think about all the things that have been accomplished that many said couldn’t be done. President Kennedy declared we would put a man on the moon during his 1961 speech, which at the time was widely believed to be an impossible feat. Yet, Kennedy pushed the team beyond their perceived limits to achieve that goal and next thing we knew, we were planning space stations and trips to Mars—two more perceived impossible feats that were also accomplished.
Our mindset can be made to change, over time.
Think back to when you were a child—what did you want to be? I would bet that for most of us, our parents told us we could be anything we wanted or accomplish anything we desired—as long as it didn’t put us in harm’s way.
Children are as not as held back by limitations as us adults. The limitations we have today have been developed over time as we grew older, and the scary part is that we may not even know we have them. Take me for example: I can tell you that when I graduated college, I would’ve never thought I’d own a business—a successful business, at that. Based on what was going on in my life back then, the thought of owning a business seemed impossible.
That is not the case today. Today I am in a different place, mentally. Today I am always thinking of ideas on how to continue to grow and continue helping others. Today, I don’t let my perceived limitations stand in my way. Take FFfT for example. What started out as a motivational note to the J2 staff each week has become a widely read blog that others not only look forward to reading themselves, but also share with their own staff and colleagues. Who would have thought? Just like that raccoon, I’m going to keep climbing and breaking through my perceived limits; who knows, maybe I’ll turn all these FFfTs into a book. Stay tuned.
This weekend, push beyond your own limitations and discover what awaits you on the other side. The only limit is you, and I can’t wait to see what you can achieve.
“Imagination should be used, not to escape reality, but to create it.” – Colin Wilson
Think BIG!!!!
Have a great weekend.
Vijay