Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
This post was a collaboration and may contain affiliate links. It can be incredibly frustrating, even upsetting, to feel as though we aren’t reaching our full potential. Reaching our full potential can, however, be an elusive term and goal because there really aren’t any absolutes. There aren’t any magic spells or guide books to lead each of us to that holy grail. The fact is, though, our potential is far greater than most of us are willing to believe. Fortunately, there is a way to measure your state of being and whether you are moving in a positive direction. If you continue to learn and grow and make quality decisions that make you happy, I believe you are moving toward full potential.
You may be a little stuck where you are now but don’t fret. There are always things you can do to move forward and into an improved life and version of yourself. I happen to know a thing or two about this. My own life is a testimony of just how much a person can change and grow with effort. Here are a few things I believe are imperative for reaching our full potential.
Reaching Our Full Potential #1: Ask Yourself the Big Questions
Are there big questions you’ve avoided asking yourself? Could the answers be too terrifying to face? Most of us are scared of at least one thing that keeps us from change and growth. The thing is, often it’s doing the hard, challenging, and scary things that change the trajectory of our lives. So take some time to answer some of the big questions. Here are a few examples to get you started:
- What do you want to achieve and why? Maybe you want to stop working for your current company because it makes you unhappy. Perhaps you want more free time because you don’t feel like you spend enough time with your family. What you’re likely to discover is that the reasons you want to change are far more compelling than continuing down the same path.
- What are you afraid of? Ask this one for multiple areas of your life: personal, family, business/career, health, etc. Identifying fear and ways to overcome it will springboard you to greater success in anything you do.
- What are your strengths/weaknesses? This question is important because it helps you to identify areas that can hold a key to reaching your full potential. I believe that improving a challenging area is how we move into our full potential.
Reaching Our Full Potential #2: Take the Plunge
Stop always playing it safe. Remember that “fear” thing? Yeah, it holds you back from experiencing life to the fullest. We all have gifts, talents, and a story to tell. Holding those things back from the world is the best way to NOT reach your full potential.
Instead of feeling trapped in your life, focus on developing your passions and interests. Perhaps you studied fashion and can design clothes. Or maybe you taught yourself to paint and think you’re actually pretty good. Take the plunge and try things that make you happy. Furthermore, you could even make some money doing it! How about getting connected to an e-commerce agency and selling your own designs, paintings, or products online? Don’t go through life asking yourself “what if”.
Reaching Our Full Potential #3: Strive For Excellence
Don’t be content with mediocrity in any aspect of your life. Most of us remember being told to always do our best, right? Well, there is something to be said about this cliche saying from our elders and mentors. Being and doing your best is one way to know you are moving toward your full potential. After all, your best is all that you can ask of yourself at any given time. Also, consider that your definition of excellence will not always match up to that of others. This is why comparing yourself to others or constantly competing does not usually serve you well.
It can be all too easy to stagnate and stop striving for excellence when we get comfortable with a certain level of success. Of course, there are times when we need to rest and stop producing for a time. However, do this with an understanding of what the goal is and why you are doing it. You can rest and still keep a persona of excellence. Reaching your full potential is a constant journey that keeps you on your toes for sure. I do want to stress the importance of finding balance in your pursuit of it.
