Have You Reached Your Full Potential
Each of us possesses an untapped potential within. We are all
destined to be someone and achieve something in the course of
our lives. However, due to the multitude of challenges and
obstacles that we encounter everyday, we neglect that we have
this capacity to achieve our goals, and be the best person we
can become. The fire of potential is not kindled but instead
seized. What most people fail to understand is that it is only
in accepting and utilizing this potential that we will fully
realize its amazing and powerful impact in improving our lives.
In the course of our pursuit to reaching our full potential,
several obstacles may get in the way. Often, these hindrances
are not material. Instead, they are nothing more than
self-limiting beliefs that stop as from getting to where we want
to be or being what we are meant to become. It is fear, anguish
and worry that tops the list in hampering people from finding
the positive that life has to offer.
Foremost, this is brought about by fear. In psychology, "fear of
failure" or "fear of success" are terms often used to explain
why people hold themselves back. "Fear of failure" is what it
literally suggests. Nobody wants to fail utterly. It is
difficult to accept defeat. On the other hand, "fear of success"
is not as easy to analyze. Success is not universally a positive
thing. It changes one's life in one way or another. Fear of
success somehow translates to the fear of what may come with
success. Achieving success for some people may lead to one's
losing a sense of purpose. Since the goal he was aiming at has
already been attained, he finds no more purpose in pursuing any
more goals. Also take for example, someone who aspires to make a
breakthrough in science may just be able to achieve his goal,
but succeeding may cause that person to be in the limelight -
giving speeches at conferences, facing both praises and
criticisms, and even incurring the envy of his colleagues.
Because of this fear of being exposed and succumbing to a public
life, people may just be content with being themselves and blend
with the crowd. They no longer seek for more by furthering or
enhancing their chosen craft. Somewhere along the way, progress
stops and the full potential within waiting to be freed is
curtailed.
Though imagining success maybe able to bring out your desire to
reach for your full potential, it is rather important to aim for
development and not really focus on victory. To fail is
inevitable, while success may be short-lived, but the lessons
and learning you will derive from it will definitely allow you
to understand and appreciate yourself more. It will aid you in
knowing your limits and/or how much further you are able to push
yourself.
Psychologists encourage people who are seeking to reach their
full potential to not focus on the material aspects of achieving
something. Instead, they must aim more for personal development,
which comes with a longer-lasting effect than tangible rewards.
Looking towards personal fulfillment gives the much-needed
inspiration to discover how far you can go.
It is a must to set your targets high, but be sure to keep your
expectations level with reality as well. Do not satisfy yourself
with the way things are. Crave to discover your capabilities.
Challenge yourself; do not settle for just what is served. Know
that there are infinite possibilities and a myriad of
opportunities before you. These opportunities are like fruits
dangling from a tree which are all yours for the taking.
Understand that you deserve as much success and fulfillment as
anybody else.
After realizing the importance of having a goal that allows you
to reach inside and release that full potential within, you
should also see that there is danger in setting too many
targets. There is nothing wrong in being enthusiastic and giving
yourself several targets to keep you active and moving. But you
must also understand that you can only do so much at one time. A
sense of purpose may not always promise success. There is also a
matter of "resources" that may not be enough to support your
enthusiasm - health, time, funding. There is such a thing as
stress, and also burnout. So, stick to your own pace. There is
no need to rush. Give yourself some time to appreciate the
little milestones you come across after overcoming the little
challenges you pass.
Clear your mind. Overcome fear. Stay active. Engage yourself
with your world. Savor your accomplishments. It is through a
sound mind, setting clear priorities, living a phased lifestyle
and proving to yourself how capable you are that you can and
will realize and reach your full potential.