Are you even aware of the lies you tell yourself?
I don't know about you, but I have lied to myself. Often. And started believing that inner voice. That nasty inner critic that's always ready to show me a million reasons why I should believe those lies. Fortunately, over the years, I've become a little wiser, thanks to great mentors, pushy friends and family that believed in me.
Yup, I am sure you lie to yourself on a daily basis. At least ONE of the following 7 lies I am about to list. These are excuses that hide our sense of inadequacy and hold us back from taking risks, reaching our potential. And as time passes, these lies stop us from living a full life.
Sure we feel better when we lie to ourselves but that's short-lived. And soon, it becomes second nature-a habit-and we are not even conscious we're lying to ourselves.
How to stop lying to yourself right now and start living?
Let's look at the lies you tell yourself
1. I don't have a choice
Truth? We do have a choice. Thing is, we just don't have the guts to consider our options. Now let's suppose your friend was in a similar situation. What would you tell her? What advice would you give? What would your own BFF tell you to do? Well, do it already!
2. If I say this, or do this, people with think I am crazy.
Truth? Nobody cares. Everyone is too caught up with their own stuff or too busy to worry about what you do or say. Believe you are worthy! You are good enough to do what you want and say what you think!
3. I am too old to (fill in the blanks)
Here's news for you! Age is nothing but a number. A measure of the time we spend on earth. I am sure you've heard of people graduating from college in their 70s? Whether it is going back to school or following a passion, it is never too late. It's just that we assume things become inconvenient as we grow older and find it more challenging, especially if you're already handling a full-time job and family. But there's a difference between "challenging" and "impossible". Take inspiration from all those who believed in themselves and did things in spite of the so-called obstacles. Live a fulfilling life without regrets! Stop the lies you tell yourself!
4. I have to be perfect. Otherwise I am a failure
"Don't worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try." Jack CanfieldSo true! If you have to be perfect at something before you even try, you'll never get started. It is fine not to have the potential to be the best but almost every one of us can be quite good at just about anything-if only we try!
Also, there's really no need to be the best. Why think less of yourself because you are not? It is not necessary to be competitive with everything you attempt. Why not enjoy yourself without worrying about how you are doing?
5. I'd be happy if I had more money.
Truth: Happiness is not tied to money. Millionaires are no happier than those that make an average income. So long as you pay your bills every month, money is not a factor that controls your happiness. Sure it is great to have the money to buy all the things you want. But happiness? Does not depend on it.
6. If I could change him/her...life would be better
No. Just no. Ever wondered how tough it is to change yourself even when you want to change? Also, why change someone? Isn't the way they are why you liked them in the first place? So, not going to happen. Learn to accept people as they are. If you don't like something about them, move away.
One of the most common lies you tell yourself. Did you know that learning to walk and talk are far more challenging than anything else anyone has ever accomplished? You're probably thinking, "Oh, everyone can walk and talk." Exactly. You're infinitely more capable than you need to be. Maybe you have some issues to resolve, but your inherent capability isn't one of them. You are enough.
We are just amazing at fooling ourselves. We are quite comfortable about lying to the person in the mirror, thinking we are protecting ourselves and even feel better when we do so. Do not sacrifice your future just so you can feel better for a little while.
The whole goal of self-help is to avoid the lies you tell yourself. Stop it. Right now. And start living!
You know you are amazing.
Now, which of these lies do you tell yourself?
Will you work on stopping it?
♥
Wednesday Wisdom is a series with short bursts of easy-to-consume wisdom in the form of inspiring stories, verse, quotes, anecdotes, reflections, easy meditation, thought-provoking questions and humor.
