Avoid Self-Limiting Behaviours

In the sponsorship marketing industry, both with the Partnership Group – Sponsorship Specialists™ and prior, I have had the opportunity to meet, work with, and learn from many people. Some have become mentors. Some I idolize. I have been blessed with opportunities to learn and understand. Recently, an article on self-limiting behaviours was shared with me. It was written by Kathy Caprino. Here is her list of the Eight Self-Limiting Behaviours Successful People Avoid.

1)    Engaging in “below the line” thinking

“Below the line” thinking refers to a particular mindset that shapes how you view the world in a limiting way. It leads to your believing that what’s happening to you is outside your control and everyone else’s fault. Above the line thinking, on the other hand, says, “I clearly see the obstacles ahead, and I’m addressing them with open eyes. I’m accountable for my life and my career, and I have what it takes to navigate through this successfully. If I fail, I’ll still wake up tomorrow exactly who I am, and will have learned something critical.”

2)    Mistaking fantastical wishful thinking for action

Successful professionals pursue outcomes that flow organically from their current actions. Unsuccessful individuals attach to fantasies that may relieve them momentarily of their situational pain, but have no basis in reality. 

3)    Remaining powerless and speechless

Successful people are in touch with their power, and are not afraid to use it and express it. They advocate and negotiate strongly for themselves and for others. They don’t hide from their problems. And they don’t perceive themselves as hapless victims.

4)    Putting off investing in themselves

This behaviour occurs over and over in those who feel thwarted and unsuccessful – they are incredibly reluctant to invest time, money, and energy in themselves and their own growth. They are comfortable only when putting other people’s needs ahead of their own. They’ll make any excuse for why now is NOT the time to invest in themselves or commit to change.

5)    Resisting change

Successful people don’t break themselves against what is or drown in the changing tides. They go with the flow. They follow the trends and embrace them. Those who are unsuccessful bemoan what is appearing before them and stay stuck in the past. 

6)    Honouring other people’s priorities over their own

Successful people know what matters most to them – their priorities, values, concerns, and their mission and purpose. They say “no” to endeavors and behaviours (and thinking) that will push them off track.

7)    Doubting themselves and their instincts

Those who doubt themselves, lack trust in their own gut or instincts, or second-guess themselves continually find themselves far from where they want to be. Successful professionals believe in themselves without fail.

8)    Searching for handouts and easy answers

Kathy talks about how often she can tell from the first contact if someone can succeed. If a complete stranger reaches out expecting free help without considering what she may offer in return, it’s a bad sign. If she asks something like, “I’m launching my new business and wondered if you can give me some advice. I can’t pay you because I’m a start-up, but I hope you can help me anyway.” Successful professionals (and those soon to be) are respectful, resourceful, curious, competent, tenacious, and they figure out how to get the help they need without asking for handouts. That doesn’t mean they don’t seek assistance when and where they need it , or make use of the many free resources available to them. It means that they don’t expect something for nothing. They also know that their success is directly proportionate to the effort they put in. Most of all, they understand there are no shortcuts or easy answers on the road to success.