3 Signs we’re living below our potential!
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but while I was doing my annual reflection, the first subconscious thought that jolted me while reminiscing on 2022 was… “you lived below your potential”.
Ouch! That was tough to hear. I’m doing my best to be open and coachable and listen to the hard truths that are often just what we need to hear.
Don’t get me wrong, there were several positive habits I kept in place from previous years, but I had this nagging feeling that I could have done way more. This isn’t about perfection or striving for 10 out of 10 and consistently moving the target. This was an honest reflection on what I had done, and I had come up short.
There were some telltale signs that I missed, or let’s face it, ignored so I’m sharing those with you here so you can catch yourself before too much time passes.
- Things running too smoothy
You may be thinking “Um Nikki, of course I want life to run smoothly!”. But do we? Are we most excited and most alive when we’re coasting? I tend to think we all excel when we have novelty, when we’re stretched and challenged by something.
- Feeling comfortable
A comfortable routine is great for a golden retriever, not so great for us humans! We get complacent, mediocre, and even slip when things are too comfortable. When our workout routines are comfortable and boring, we go with the flow and get so-so results. I remember one of my mentors saying that people often complain that things are hard. He said “It’s SUPPOSED to be hard! That’s what changes us”. I’ve been known to yell that out on the treadmill when my mind is messing with me. Yes, if you go by my house in the wee hours of the morning, you’ll hear this crazy little Scot yelling, “It’s SUPPOSED to be hard Nikki, keep going”! Get comfortable getting uncomfortable if you want to thrive!
- No one thinks you’re a little out there!
I know I’m on the right path when my Mum tells me to “Stop working so hard” or to “Be careful not to burn out”. I know I’m on the right path when people question why I’m taking another course or reading or writing another book. I know I’m on the right path when people say, “Holy S@#t Nikki, you’re nuts!” With positive habits in place to support my CRAZY BEAUTIFUL dreams, I know what may seem crazy to others, is exactly how I raise the bar for endless potential.
When you risk it all for a dream, not knowing how you’ll make something happen, but you burn the bridges and have faith and grit and act each day towards achieving it.
When no one is questioning your wild dreams, you’re not making big enough moves to reach your potential!
Are you living in a little discomfort (or a lot)?
Are you living outside of your normal routine or is it ho-hum?
Are people questioning your sanity and obsession with success?
Look for these signs and seize the day so you don’t look back like I did months from now wishing you had started sooner!
