Why We Play Small and How to Break This Habit

I’m guilty of playing small. At least the old me. You see it’s so much easier to play it safe and not take risks in life. If we can just stay small, maybe no one will see our flaws or question what they see in our shadows. This is why so many of us are satisfied with our comfort zones, even though our souls continue to remind us that we were born to be so much more.

How Ego, Shame and Fear Keep Us Small

Ego combined with shame and fear are the usual culprits that hold us back. Ego is a paradox, because it wants to think that it is great and yet it constantly reminds us that we aren’t good enough. Whenever we try to step into our greatness, it will be the first to say, “Who are you to think that you can do THAT?” Ego feeds upon our childhood programs and constantly dishes them back out to us. If our parents didn’t believe that we would amount to much when we grew up, our egos will reinforce this message unless we become conscious of how this is driving our lives and holding us back. As a result we settle for being small.

How to Break the Habit of Being Yourself

The truth is that we all have a purpose, a mission and a duty to share our God given gifts with the world. The human spirit is remarkable in that we can rise above the trauma of our past, overcome our egos and our fears and finally live the life of our dreams! In his fantastic book, “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” author Dr. Joe Dispenza states, “If you become aware of your automatic habits and you are conscious of your unconscious behaviors so you can not go unconscious again, then you are changing.” The point is that we can take our power back by becoming conscious of what is sabotaging our growth. By mastering our thoughts we can then choose to play big.

Please watch this highly informative video by Dr. Joe Dispenza.

How to Uncover Limiting Beliefs

Through awareness, meditation, yoga, self study and therapy we can uncover the limiting beliefs that are holding us back. Growth takes courage, but through self love we can overcome any obstacle. When we finally believe in ourselves, we will feel the calling of our souls to finally embrace our earthly purpose. With new found confidence and enthusiasm we can cast off our fears and step into greatness. As we become truly authentic, our energy field will shift. As a result we start manifesting the people and resources that we need to help us fulfill our destiny.

So what do you desire to become? Take time to envision your future and write it down on a piece of paper. Place this reminder on the mirror in your bathroom. It will hold you accountable and inspire you to take action every day.

Daring Greatly

Presenting our dreams to the world takes courage and often makes us feel vulnerable to judgement and rejection. In her popular book, “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead,” Brene Brown wrote; “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”

Life is short. Don’t waste it playing small or settling for people, jobs and habits that do not serve your highest greatest good. The biggest regrets that will haunt you are the ones where you wonder what would have happened if you had been brave enough to follow your dreams, to embrace love fully and to completely honor the calling of your soul (not ego). I escaped my comfort zone years ago and I am so grateful. It hasn’t always easy, but the growth that I’ve experienced has been incredible. Even with the recent roadblocks in my life, I am super stoked about my mission!

Live big, love big,

Paul

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