The belief lid.
Picture a collection of fleas in a glass jar.
These tiny creatures, driven by their instinct to leap to extraordinary heights – up to a staggering 100 times their own weight, soaring as high as 20 centimeters – would naturally surpass the confines of the jar.
But then, a lid is firmly placed on top of the jar. Unfazed by this obstacle, the fleas, driven by their innate nature, now pound against the lid, only to be constricted by the lid and plummet back to the bottom.
Happy September, Y'all!
My business coach once told us this next story. She referenced it many times saying it was done by a scientist. Full disclosure: as I researched for this newsletter, I searched the web for statistics but found little about the actual study.
BUT, I literally believe whatever any of my coaches have told me. None of them have ever steered me wrong so now I offer it to you....
Picture a collection of fleas in a glass jar.
These tiny creatures, driven by their instinct to leap to extraordinary heights – up to a staggering 100 times their own weight, soaring as high as 20 centimeters – would naturally surpass the confines of the jar.
But then, a lid is firmly placed on top of the jar. Unfazed by this obstacle, the fleas, driven by their innate nature, now pound against the lid, only to be constricted by the lid and plummet back to the bottom.
Over time, they start to jump a bit lower, instinctively avoiding the painful collision with the lid. Eventually, they cease hitting the lid altogether.
Fast forward as they are untouched for three days, the lid is removed, and you won't believe what happens. The fleas, having learned the safe maximum height they can reach without injury, never again attempting to leap out of the jar.
Never again.
What's even more fascinating is that their offspring perpetuate this behavior indefinitely. The new standard of leaping height becomes ingrained and passed down from generation to generation. These fleas, in essence, have conditioned themselves to jump lower, convinced that anything higher is impossible, even when the opportunity is there.
Now, you might think, "What relevance does it have for us humans?"
Here's the twist...we humans possess an unparalleled advantage in the animal kingdom: our capacity for rational thought. Yet this is directly connected to our setbacks.
We are creatures of reason. Our beautiful brains are woven with intricate thought processes, ideas, and analytical capabilities combined with thought associations, memories and experiences. What we see in our surroundings, the people we interact with, the knowledge we acquire, all combine to shape our perception of our reality.
In essence, the environment we grow up in and live within molds our identity and influences our thought patterns or beliefs.
What paradigms have you created as a result of the setbacks you've encountered? What do YOU believe is your true capability? The ability to shape the life you aspire to lies within your grasp, but it is absolutely born in your mind first. Adversity is inevitable, but if you refuse to let these challenges dictate how you see your world, viewing them as temporary obstacles rather than permanent barriers, you'll be amazed at what you can really accomplish.
I ask you...where or what is your belief lid?
Expect miracles friends and jump a little higher,