By the end of this exercise, I looked at one deficit as TWO strengths. If you can see past the layer of self-indulgence that this exercise requires, read on.
Are you willing to practice in the comments? What do you think are some of your limiting beliefs?
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Thanks to the popularity of Rachel Hollis all around me, I found the RISE Podcast and listened to a free reading of Chapter 4 in her new book, "Girl, Stop Apologizing."
>>>> "Write a letter to yourself, from yourself. More specifically, write from the exact opposite place of your fear."
>>>> "The problem is not that you're not accomplished. The problem is that you don't give yourself any credit for the things that you HAVE done."
I am sharing my own exercise below to be vulnerable.to live out loud like I truly desire, and to encourage you to give it a try!!!
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My Limiting Beliefs:
I am not disciplined enough to write a book.
When it gets slow and boring, I will quit.
When I feel a little lost, I'll take a permanent break from it.
I don't keep my schedule organized enough for the time writing will require.
Because I'm not disciplined enough.
I don't enforce my own rules.
Wait, I don’t really even have rules because "nobody tells me what to do! Not even me!"
I'm too proud for my own guilt trip; I can't even talk myself into things.
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Dear Alyssa,
I am your self-discipline. You can thank me for your success thus far. Need I remind you all of the ways?
Thanks to me, your trusty self-discipline:
- You got all A's through the 12th grade.
- You finished a Bachelor's Degree with a 3.8 GPA in 4 years + study abroad
- You went to Australia for 5 months, despite the anxiety.
- You've pushed yourself through emotional turmoil of feeling trapped, stuck, afraid, unfamiliar.
- You finished three internships when you only needed one.
- You've had a job whenever possible since the age of 15.
- You got 4 promotions at GNC in 3 years.
- You were the first female sales person on the team in GNC-CF, ever, in 2016. Just 2 years after joining the company as a coordinator.
- You educated yourself on buying a house alone, which you then executed. And then tore it apart to build it back up in the way that suit your dreams. You lived in a construction zone for MONTHS in order to reach your vision.
And intrinsically,
- You have a special gift for getting the "tough ones" in your camp and on your side; You don't give up until they like you, until they're cheering you on.
- You are willing to take your time to win the war, knowing some battles will be lost.
- You are very disciplined at expressing yourself; You will not stop saying how you feel, even when it makes people uncomfortable or annoyed. 📷:)
- You have set your intentions MANY times, in order to achieve this life you desired. This life you dreamed of. This partner you manifested. This lifestyle. These beautiful assets.
- You uphold your personal priority of a comfortable environment; you don't quit until it's comfy. You unpacked these houses like a madwoman.
- You don't let your friends down. You never retract your RSVP because you're tired.
- You show up when you say you will; you show up to support your family on big days, you listen to friends when they need to be heard no matter how convenient. You listen to coworkers when they just need to vent.
- You go to work every day, even when you're bored or exhausted. You smile and try to find something to dig into.
- You never let your doggies starve at home alone; your schedule is disciplined enough to make sure they never go more than 6 hours alone. Ever!
And now, perhaps you can see it. Your self-discipline is not only effective, but strong, and special in this way: you have a keen sense for the difference between 'do it NOW' and 'let it develop'.
These are two different kinds of discipline. You have TWO rather than zero!
This means you prefer to do it well and do it right than do it fast.
(OF COURSE fast is more fun; everyone loves a good dose of instant gratification.)
But this does. not. mean. you are lazy, or a quitter, or aimless or disorganized.
I am your self-discipline. How could you say those things about me!? I deserve some credit for the place we've arrived at, together.
Love, Your Perfectly Satisfied Self-Discipline.
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