The Chains Holding You Back? Yeah, You Put Them There (Here’s How to Break Free From Self-Imposed Limits)

Let me hit you with a truth bomb that might sting a little: The biggest obstacles standing between you and success aren’t external. They’re the invisible chains you’ve wrapped around yourself—self-imposed limits. Mind-blown? Stay with me.

Last week, we talked about developing that unstoppable winner’s mindset. But here’s the thing: Even champions sometimes build their own cages. Let me share a quick story that’ll make this crystal clear.

Yesterday, I was chatting with a customer who kept saying, “I could never get into amazing shape because…” And then it hit me—I used to say the same thing. “I could never write a book because…” Sound familiar? We’re all guilty of this self-limiting nonsense.

The Great “Because” Trap

Here’s what’s wild: Every time you say, “I can’t because…” you’re actually saying, “I won’t because I’m afraid.” Boom. Another truth bomb. But hey, winners don’t shy away from the truth—they use it as Winner’s Fuel.

Breaking the Chains: Your Liberation Playbook

Let’s get real about these self-imposed limits and how to absolutely demolish them:

1. The “Not Good Enough” Chain
   • Old thinking: “I’m not qualified enough to…”
   • Winner’s reality: You weren’t qualified to walk either…until you did it
   • Action step: List three things you’ve mastered that once seemed impossible
2. The “Wrong Time” Chain
   • Old thinking: “I’ll do it when conditions are perfect…”
   • Winner’s reality: Perfect conditions are a myth—winners create their conditions
   • Action step: Start something TODAY that you’ve been waiting to do
3. The “What If I Fail” Chain
   • Old thinking: “But what if it doesn’t work out?”
   • Winner’s reality: Every “failure” is just a data point in your success story
   • Action step: Rewrite your three biggest “failures” as learning victories

The Liberation Exercise

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Grab a piece of paper (do it now—I’ll wait).

Draw a line down the middle. On the left side, write down every “I can’t because…” that’s been running through your head. Be honest—this is just between you and your future self.

Now, here’s where it gets good. We’ll rewrite each limitation on the right side as an “I’m going to… and here’s how.” This isn’t positive thinking fluff—this is your battle plan—your blueprint to break free from your self-imposed limitations.

Example:

• Left side: “I can’t start a business because I don’t have enough money.”
• Right side: “I’m going to start small with what I have and reinvest every dollar until I grow.”

The Winner’s Perspective Shift

Remember our blown tire story from last week? That couple could have said, “We can’t enjoy our trip because of this setback.” Instead, they turned it into a victory lap. That’s what happens when you break free from self-imposed limits—suddenly, obstacles become opportunities.

Your Breaking Free Challenge

This week’s challenge is simple but powerful:

1. Complete the Liberation Exercise above
2. Choose your biggest self-imposed limit
3. Take ONE concrete action to prove it wrong
4. Document what happens
5. Share your liberation story in the comments

What’s Coming Next Week

Now that you’re breaking free from those self-imposed limits, next week, we’re diving into something exciting: Understanding Your Performance Zones. Get ready to discover where you’re already crushing it and where untapped potential awaits.

Remember: You’re Formulated to Win, and those chains? They’re not even real. It’s time to show yourself what you’re truly capable of.

Drop a “🔓 Breaking Free!” in the comments if you’re ready to shatter those self-imposed limits. Let’s hear your liberation stories!

Want the complete framework for breaking free from limitations? Grab your FREE copy of “Formulated to Win!” here and unlock your full potential today!