Let’s face it: we all have baggage. But some of that baggage might be weighing you down more than you realize, especially when it comes to achieving success, happiness, joy, or what they say, “la gioia di vivere.”
It’s time to do a little spring cleaning of the mind and identify what’s holding you back. Here are three things from your past that could be roadblocks on your path to success.
1. Your Comfort Zone: The Underemployment Trap
Remember when you first started your job? It was challenging, exciting, and maybe a little scary. But now? You could do it with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back. Boy, You’re comfortable, but are you growing?
Being underemployed, underpaid, and under-challenged is like wearing shoes that are a size too small. Sure, you can walk in them, but you’re not going to win any races. It’s cozy in that comfort zone, isn’t it? But here’s the truth: real growth happens when you step outside of it.
Maybe you’re fearful, or perhaps you’re just used to your current situation’s predictability. But ask yourself this: In five years, do you want to be exactly where you are now? If the answer is no, it’s time to break free from the underemployment trap and seek out challenges that will push you to grow.
2. Past Performance: The Big Fish, Small Pond Syndrome
Ah, the glory days. Remember when you were the star of the show, the cream of the crop, the big fish in a small pond? It felt good, didn’t it? But are you still swimming in that same small pond, reliving past glories?
It’s natural to want to stay where you excel, where your achievements are recognized and celebrated. But if you’re still hanging onto that “big fish” status from years ago, you might be limiting your potential for future success.
I met too many people who bragged about being in the company for 10, 15, 20, and 30 years. They often complained about the job and the people to the new employees, but they didn’t leave.
The world is a big ocean, full of opportunities and challenges that could help you grow even bigger and stronger. But you’ll never know unless you’re willing to leave your small pond behind. It might be scary to go from being a big fish to feeling like a small fry again, but that’s where the real growing edge happens.
3. Fears: The Silent Success Killers
Fear is a tricky beast. It can paralyze us, keeping us stuck in place when we should be moving forward. Maybe you’re afraid of failure or afraid of success. Perhaps you fear change, or you’re scared of what others might think if you step out of line.
When I left a job after five years, all of my coworkers urged me to reconsider. They shared rumors about the company I was going to and reminded me of the great benefits the old company had. But I marched on, and that was the best job I ever had. The friendships and support I received in the new company were priceless.
These fears often stem from past experiences or childhood messages we’ve internalized. Maybe you failed at sports or a play. Perhaps “losing” in childhood was traumatic, and you’re gun-shy about taking risks, but you have better life skills now.
Here’s the thing about fear: it’s often more about perception than reality. Most of the things we fear never actually happen. And even if they do, we’re usually more capable of handling them than we give ourselves credit for.
Sure, fear is a protector, and it will do its best not to get you into trouble. But fear is also a saboteur, a misguided one. It is the one thing that will keep you in status quo, grounded and sheltered from greatness.
Holding onto these fears is like trying to drive with the parking brake on. You might move forward, but you’ll never reach top speed. It’s time to release that brake and see what you’re capable of.
So, what now? Take three breaths and make the time to recognize these holdovers from your past is the first step. The next is to take action. Your comfort zone is not that satisfying, right? Challenge yourself to step out of it; it’s time to swim with bigger fishes.
I am sure that these ideas have surfaced before, but your mind has quickly been dismissed. So today, you win. You win by admitting that you have been comfortable and afraid of stepping out of the little pond. You win by telling yourself that you were born for more. You win by letting your guard down and being open for that “more” that only you know how great it could be.
Do it. Let the past be behind you. If you need help clarifying your goals, book a complimentary exploration call with Ana Barreto.
Visit my school and check out this course: Clear Your Fear of Success: Uncover and Heal What’s Holding You Back from Success
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