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,
-Allison
Do you like your reasons?
Whenever you make decisions today I want you to ask yourself this very simple question first-
Happy Day!
Coaching is really just powerful thought provoking questioning...and this one is REALLY good.
Whenever you make decisions today I want you to ask yourself this very simple question first-
Do I like my reasons?
Your brain is constantly offering you direction to take throughout your day.
Do you like your reasons for why you are deciding to do or not do any given task?
Take a moment to explore the underlying reasons for your decisions. When you start to dissect your reasoning for your decisions you start to look at what motivates you.
Do you like what you find?
Understanding the roots of your choices empowers you to then make more intentional decisions IF you don't like what you see is motivating you.
So much power lies in knowing why you do what you do.
You are in charge of your own life and the more you know why you do what you do the more in charge you can become.
I absolutely help my clients understand why they do what they do. Once they are more aware, together, we work on aligning their actions with their ultimate goals.
If this sounds like something you want (productivity with purpose) get on my calendar for a free 45 minute consult clarity call to learn more about what is keeping you stuck. Then we can make a plan to take purposeful action. My clients are truly living better and I want that for you too! You deserve it!
Keep going, my friend, and expect miracles all day, every day, and love your reasons for doing so...