In our journey of self-improvement and personal growth, our minds can sometimes become entangled in destructive thought patterns that act as formidable barriers to progress. One of the most pernicious of these thought viruses is the belief that “This won’t work for me.”
This seemingly innocuous notion carries immense destructive power, as it immediately shuts down the possibility of success before even embarking on a journey. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this self-limiting belief, explore its origins and implications, and provide a transformative alternative: the question “How can this work for me?”
By making this shift, we can unearth a treasure trove of opportunities, innovative solutions, and uncharted territories that the negative mindset of “This won’t work for me” would have otherwise concealed.
The Pitfall of “This Won’t Work for Me”
The belief that “This won’t work for me” is akin to locking oneself in a mental prison. It is a self-imposed limitation that can arise from various sources – past failures, self-doubt, fear of stepping beyond the comfort zone, or an accumulation of life’s disappointments. This debilitating mindset acts as a formidable barrier to personal growth, shutting the door on opportunities and stifling progress.
When we surrender to the conviction that something is destined to fail for us, we essentially self-sabotage any chance of success. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, reinforcing our limitations and validating our insecurities. By harboring this belief, we discourage ourselves from exploring new paths, taking calculated risks, or considering alternative solutions. In essence, it’s a mindset that serves as a catalyst for stagnation.
“This won’t work for me!” is another destructive thought we need to watch out for. This thought can derail progress even before anything starts/ It closes you off to learning anything new and shuts down the possibility of anything ever working in your favour.
Whenever there’s a plan of action or a strategy in place, there’s a little voice that goes off in the back of your head that says, “This won’t work for me!” Whenever this happens we need to stop immediately and catch it. Instead, we need to ask ourselves, “How can I make it work for me?” In other words, try it before you deny it.
Embracing a Growth-Oriented Question
Breaking free from the confines of the “This won’t work for me” mindset requires a paradigm shift in our thinking. Instead of resigning ourselves to defeat, we must replace this self-limiting belief with a more constructive question: “How can this work for me?” This shift in perspective serves as a pivotal moment of transformation.
By asking “How can this work for me?” we take the first step towards dismantling the barriers we’ve constructed within our minds. This simple yet powerful question forces us to step out of our comfort zones and explore new possibilities with an open and inquisitive mind. It challenges us to reconsider our preconceived notions and stretch the boundaries of what we believe to be achievable.
Sometime late last year, GaryVee put out a content deck detailing how anyone can put out 64 pieces of content every day. I wanted to churn out quality content for the past couple of years and had been looking for any resource that could help me. I had acquired many such resources and now I had someone lay it out for me in ridiculous amounts of detail, exactly what I was looking for. After the initial excitement I thought, “This won’t work for me!” and I never got started. I was stopped dead in my tracks even before I had started.
The reason I never started like many others is that it is easy to come up with an excuse. In fact, if you think hard enough, you can cook up a special case where any plan can fail. In any situation, we need to have a “can-do” attitude and an awareness of the factors under our control.
Forcing Your Brain to Innovate
Consistently posing the question “How can this work for me?” serves as a mental exercise that invigorates our brain’s capacity for innovation. It’s an intellectual workout that stimulates creative thinking and problem-solving. By continually challenging the status quo and exploring alternative approaches, we pave the way for fresh insights and novel solutions.
This relentless inquiry propels us to delve deeper into our challenges and opportunities, uncovering hidden connections and innovative pathways. It encourages us to view problems as puzzles waiting to be solved, rather than insurmountable obstacles. In this way, we shift from being passive observers of our lives to active architects of our destinies.
Stretching Your Cognitive Comfort Zone
The comfort zone is a psychological space where we feel safe and secure, a realm where familiarity reigns supreme. Within this cocoon, we stick to what we know, avoiding risks and resisting change. The “This won’t work for me” mentality thrives in this comfort zone, reinforcing the belief that stepping beyond its boundaries is futile.
However, by consistently asking “How can this work for me?” we begin to challenge the very foundations of our comfort zone. This question acts as a wedge that slowly but surely expands our cognitive boundaries. It encourages us to embrace uncertainty, take calculated risks, and venture into uncharted territories.
Unlocking Hidden Potential
As we replace the limiting belief with a growth-oriented question, we tap into our hidden potential. What once appeared insurmountable now becomes an exciting challenge, an invitation to explore the unexplored. This shift in perspective empowers us to tackle challenges with confidence and creativity, unleashing the full breadth of our capabilities.
By embracing the question “How can this work for me?” we embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We become architects of our destinies, eager to explore new possibilities, and unafraid of confronting the unknown. It is through this transformative mindset that we not only overcome self-limiting beliefs but also unlock our true potential, discovering that the power to shape our lives lies within us.
We need to get honest with ourselves. I realised that I was making excuses because I didn’t want to put in the required work. Consider that you are making excuses about your situation because you don’t want it to change. If that is the case, you might want to reconsider your objectives.
Once I asked myself how I can make things work for me, I started writing this blog, one article a day, nothing more. Every day, I am getting better and faster. Soon, I will be able to expand on my activities and take my next steps.
Whenever you start to think, “This won’t work for me!”, stop and catch the thought right there. Instead, practice thinking “How can I make this work for me?” Before you know it, you will be on your way to solving all your problems.
Conclusion
In the realm of self-improvement and personal growth, it is imperative to recognize and challenge self-limiting beliefs. The belief that “This won’t work for me” is a mental shackle that stifles progress and obstructs opportunities. However, by adopting the question “How can this work for me?” as our guiding mantra, we thrust open the doors to innovation, stretch the boundaries of our comfort zones, and unlock the hidden potential that lies within.
This shift in perspective empowers us to confront challenges with a growth-oriented mindset, enabling us to unearth solutions and opportunities that may have previously eluded us. So, the next time you find yourself confronted by a seemingly insurmountable obstacle or plagued by self-doubt, remember the transformative power of asking, “How can this work for me?” It is a question that has the potential to lead you down a path of endless possibility and profound personal growth.